Around the Horn - 8/2

MLB News Updated: 4:00

Today marks the 27th anniversary of one of the saddest memories in NY Yankees history. Thurman Munson was killed in a plane crash on this date in 1979, breaking the hearts of many Yankees fans and stunning the nation. It's still shocking to this day.

The Boston Red Sox received a big blow when it was learned that catcher and team captain Jason Varitek would have to undergo surgery for a torn meniscus in his left knee. Varitek is expected to be out 4-6 weeks.
The Red Sox also placed RF Trot Nixon on the DL Monday with a strained bicep tendon.

Rookie sensation Francisco Liriano will miss his Thursday start for the Twins with a sore forearm. It was originally reported that Liriano was suffering from elbow problems, but the Twins dismissed that report.

300 game winner Greg Maddux will make his LA Dodger debut on Thursday against the Cincinnati Reds.

Home runs continue to fly off the bats of the Cubs' Aramis Ramirez and the Mets' Carlos Beltran. Ramirez has 9 home runs in the last 13 games while Beltran has 5 in his last 3 games. He also has 12 RBI in those 3 games.

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Chase Utley extended his hitting streak to 33 games yesterday. It's the 7th longest streak of all time.

The Mets have sent rookie Mike Pelfrey back to the minors after allowing 9 runs in 10.1 innings over his last 2 starts. Royce Ring has been recalled.

Cuban 2b baseman Yuliesky Gourriel had reportedly defected last week in Columbia. The rumors proved to be false when Gourriel met with reporters in Cuba today and laughed off the situation.