LONDON (AP) – Britain’s top official in charge of the Olympics says 1,200 extra UK troops have been put on standby for the 2012 London Games.
In a statement released Thursday, Jeremy Hunt claimed there was “no current need to deploy any additional troops” but opened the door to a possible infusion of extra manpower to help protect the Olympics.
Olympic security is in crisis after private contractor G4S PLC failed to deliver on its promise to provide enough guards for the games, which begin July 27. Government officials have been forced to call in police and soldiers to make up for the shortfall.
There are already 17,000 troops helping to secure the games in various capacities.
WASHINGTON (AP) – The Washington Nationals activated right-handed reliever Drew Storen from the disabled list and designated outfielder Rick Ankiel for assignment on Thursday.
Storen, who had 43 saves last season, had surgery in April to remove bone chips from his right elbow and hasn’t pitched this season.
Ankiel, who turned 33 on Thursday, batted .228 with five home runs and 15 RBIs.
Washington has eight pitchers in the bullpen and four position players on the bench after the moves.
The Nationals also placed catcher Jhonatan Solano on the 15-day disabled list with a strained oblique muscle and recalled catcher Sandy Leon from Double-A Harrisburg.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) – The Philadelphia Flyers are going after one of the NHL’s premier defensemen.
General manager Paul Holmgren confirms that the Flyers have signed Nashville’s Shea Weber to an offer sheet. He would fill a void left by Chris Pronger, who has been battling concussion problems and missed most of last season.
A person with knowledge of the decision tells The Associated Press that Weber’s deal is for 14 years and worth more than $100 million. Nashville has seven days to match the offer.
Weber’s departure would create a huge hole in the Predators’ defense. The team lost free-agent defenseman Ryan Suter to Minnesota earlier this summer.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Cleveland at Tampa Bay 11:10 p.m.
L.A. Angels at Detroit 12:05 p.m.
Baltimore at Minnesota 12:10 p.m.
Seattle at Kansas City 1:10 p.m.
Chi White Sox at Boston 6:10 p.m.
N-Y Yankees at Oakland 9:05 p.m.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
San Francisco at Atlanta 11:10 p.m.
Arizona at Cincinnati 11:35 p.m.
N-Y Mets at Washington 11:35 p.m.
Miami at Chi Cubs 1:20 p.m.
Houston at San Diego 9:05 p.m.