The week in Jewish sports

Baseball

Ralph Branca may or may not be considered a real Jewish Major Leaguer, but that’s all right; two new members of the “club” were added to the roles last week.

With Kevin Youkilis joining Ike Davis (Mets) and Jason Marquis (Diamondbacks) on the disabled list, the Red Sox brought up Ryan Lavarnway from the minors to fill the designated hitter spot. Although hitless in his first game, Lavarnway, a catcher by trade, ended his first week by going 5-15 with two runs scored and two runs batted in.

Also making his big league debut: Philadelphia Phillies six-foot, eight-inch pitcher Michael Schwimer, who gave up a home run to the first batter he faced in Sunday’s 5-4 10-inning loss to the Washington Nationals. Schwimer settled down after that, allowing just one more hit in three innings, walking no one while striking out four.

Ryan Braun (Brewers) added two home runs and four stolen bases and now has 24 and 26, respectively, on his quest for 30-30 club status. Overall, Braun was 10-25 with nine runs scored and four RBIs.

Ian Kinsler (Rangers) blasted two home runs in Saturday’s 3-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox, giving him 20 on the year, 10 of which have come as a leadoff batter. With his 21 stolen bases, he has a chance to join Braun in the 30-30 club. Kinsler was 9-32 with five runs scored and three doubles for the week.

Danny Valencia (Twins) had seven hits in 25 at bats, including his 13th home run of the year. He also had four doubles and scored five runs.

Sam Fuld (Rays) appeared in three games — two as a pinch hitter — and was 1-5 with two runs scored and a walk.

Scott Feldman (Rangers) made just one appearance, tossing 4.2 innings of mop-up relief work in the Rangers’ 10-0 loss to the White Sox on Sunday. Feldman allowed five runs on eight hits with a walk and three strikeouts.

Craig Breslow (A’s) appeared in two games for a total of two innings, allowing just one hit. Oakland put him on waivers early last week, although he still remains with the team.

John Grabow (Cubs) appeared in two games, allowing one unearned run on one hit and lowering his earned run average under 5.00 for the first time since June 25.