Despite losses, Justin Verlander’s ERA is promising

Justin Verlander seemingly has been mediocre, with the Tigers winning only two of his six April starts, but his 3.64 earned-run average is actually a good sign. This is the first time since 2007 that he has finished the first month with an ERA below 5.50....

Manny Ramirez’s retirement allowed the Rays to slide Sam Fuld onto the All-Star ballot, and Manager Joe Maddon expects him to get a lot of support. Maddon said Fuld has been just as good in left field as Carl Crawford, who won the Gold Glove last season....

The Giants are playing Brandon Belt in the outfield at triple A. He will go to an outfield corner when he returns rather than unseating Aubrey Huff at first base....

Jason Varitek is getting more time behind the plate than most expected, a sign the Red Sox will be adding a catcher along the way....

Rangers Manager Ron Washington is improvising in the bullpen while closer Neftali Feliz is out. On April 23, 40-year-old Darren Oliver became the oldest pitcher in franchise history to get a save. But the record lasted only one day, as 41-year-old Arthur Rhodes got one last Sunday....

Ryan Howard has had four strikeouts in a game 20 times with the Phillies, and they have gone 12-8 in those games....

The Mariners’ Michael Pineda continues to look like a worthy No. 2 starter behind Felix Hernandez. Pineda won four games in April, breaking Freddy Garcia’s franchise rookie record of three....

Andy Pettitte, 38, has told friends he definitely won’t pitch this season but isn’t ruling out 2012. The Yankees would love to have him back, whenever he’s ready....

Carlos Lee, who is owed $39 million, is testing the Astros’ patience with a batting average around the Mendoza line. Some say he walked every step from the dugout to left field last weekend in Milwaukee. He’s taking a spot from Brian Bogusevic, whose bat and energy could help get the Astros turned around....

The Pirates lead the majors in waiver claims. GM Neal Huntington has nabbed 19 players in his three-plus years on the job, including Brandon Wood and Xavier Paul last week. The Pirates are taking a long look at Wood as their shortstop, a role that wasn’t open to him with the Angels.