Joel Zumaya broke his elbow while pitching against the Twins at Target Field last year. But there wasn't ligament damage, and the Tigers righthander was confident that he would pitch this season. But he continues to experience pain. He recently tried several weeks of rehab, but the pain returned when he tried to throw. After consulting team doctors and noted specialist Dr. James Andrews, Zumaya will put off exploratory surgery and try six more weeks of rehab. If that doesn't work, then he will have season-ending surgery. Another setback for one of the game's hardest throwers.

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The White Sox, who just lost seven in a row, are having problems. Adam Dunn has been dropped in the order, situational hitting has been nonexistent, the bullpen has faltered, Jake Peavy left a rehabilitation start after just 15 pitches, and even mild-mannered A.J. Pierzynski was tossed from a game on Wednesday at Tampa Bay. Also Wednesday, pitching coach Don Cooper tried to call the bullpen at Tropicana Field but called the press box instead, then the trainer's room.

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Kansas City has four walk-off wins, and manager Ned Yost is getting credit for cultivating a confident and supportive atmosphere in the clubhouse.