Ned Yost media session: August 30

Mr. 500

Manager Ned Yost was asked about his 500th career win, which he achieved yesterday in Cleveland.  Yost was modest about the accomplishment.  He said that the fact that his 500th loss was two years ago puts it into context.  He does see 1,000 wins as a goal.

The Butler is back in

Billy Butler started at DH yesterday and is back at first base tonight.  Yost said that Butler’s right hand has not been 100 percent since the All-Star Break.  Butler was held out of batting practice during the Cleveland series.

The pen

Blake Wood made his first appearance in 10 days yesterday.  He fanned all three batters he faced in the eighth inning.  Yost said that Wood will be available tonight, if needed.

Robinson Tejeda was activated before yesterday’s game.  While Yost would like to ease Tejeda back into action, he knows it probably won’t be possible.  He’ll put the righty in during a seventh or eighth inning situation.

Injury updates:  Meche back on Wednesday

Gil Meche had a side session today at Kauffman Stadium.  The plan is for him to be back with the club as a reliever on Wednesday when the rosters are able to be expanded.

Brian Bannister and Luke Hochevar will make rehab appearances with Omaha.  They will ‘piggyback’ once they come back to KC in September, meaning that one will throw about four innings and then the other will throw four frames.  Yost expects both of the pitchers to be back in early September.

Additional call-ups?

When asked about additional call-ups beyond the three rehabbing pitchers, Yost said that he hasn’t had a chance to discuss that with GM Dayton Moore to this point, but his best guess is they will talk tomorrow. 

Texas in town

Yost is impressed with the Rangers, who hold first-place in the A.L. West.  He sees them as a club that is solid in all phases and has a chance to go deep in the playoffs.