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Los Angeles Dodgers

8/8/2006

Jeff Kent, lad

Kent returned from the disabled list Tuesday with two big hits. Kent homered, doubled and drove in three runs Monday night, and the Los Angeles Dodgers extended their winning streak to 10 games with a 7-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies. The four-time All-Star second baseman also made 10 putouts in his first start at first base since last September.

Elmer Dessens, lad

Dessens was placed on the DL on Monday with a sprained left ankle, retroactive to Aug. 3.

8/7/2006

Jeff Kent, lad

Kent (side muscle) may be activated from the disabled list Monday, manager Grady Little said. Kent has been on the DL since July 18 and has been bothered by the injury for more than a month.

8/2/2006

Greg Maddux, lad

The Los Angeles Times is reporting that Maddux will make his debut for the Dodgers against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday. Maddux was traded from the Chicago Cubs to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday for infielder Cesar Izturis.

8/1/2006

Aaron Sele, lad

The Los Angeles Times is reporting that Sele may be removed from the Dodgers' rotation after the acquisition of Greg Maddux from the Chicago Cubs prior to Monday's trade deadline.

7/31/2006

Greg Maddux, lad

Maddux was traded from the Chicago Cubs to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday for infielder Cesar Izturis, agent Scott Boras said. The 327-game winner, who was in his second stint with the Cubs, waived his no-trade clause to join the Dodgers, Boras said.

Julio Lugo, lad

The Dodgers obtained shortstop Julio Lugo from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for two minor leaguers on Monday.

7/26/2006

Nomar Garciaparra, lad

Garciaparra sat out Tuesday's 7-3 loss to San Diego after spraining a ligament in his right knee on Monday in a 7-6 defeat to the Padres. The Dodgers' first baseman is expected to miss at least four more games.

Brett Tomko, lad

Tomko is expected to be activated from the 15-day disabled list before the end of the week. The Dodgers' right-hander has been sidelined since straining an oblique muscle in his left side in a 10-4 win over Pittsburgh on June 23. Tomko, who made two rehab appearances for Triple-A Las Vegas last weekend, will come out of the bullpen when he returns.

7/25/2006

Greg Maddux, lad

Maddux ended a six-game losing streak, winning for the first time in more than six weeks in the Cubs' 8-7 win over the the New York Mets on Monday night. Maddux allowed seven runs and 10 hits in six-plus innings but still managed to tie Eddie Plank for 12th on the career wins list with 326. The right-hander won for the first time in eight starts since beating Cincinnati on June 9.

Elmer Dessens, lad

The Dodgers sent minor league right-handers Blake Johnson and Julio Pimental and cash considerations to the Royals for Dessens. Dessens returns for a second stint with the Dodgers, having appeared in 28 games for them last season, including seven starts. He had a 3.56 ERA in 65.2 innings.

7/24/2006

Julio Lugo, lad

Lugo was scratched from the lineup for Monday night's game against the Los Angeles Angels because of a bruised fingertip on his right hand. Lugo, the subject of trade speculation, has not played since homering twice during the fifth inning of Saturday night's 13-12 victory over Baltimore. He left the game the following inning with the Devil Rays leading 10-3.

7/19/2006

Jeff Kent, lad

Kent was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday with a left oblique strain. The Dodgers' second baseman tried to play through the injury, taking four days off before the All-Star break, but the condition worsened since his return. "I thought I could deal with it, manage it, handle it," Kent said. "It just got to the point where I was sacrificing myself not for the benefit of the team."

7/10/2006

Brad Penny, lad

Penny is scheduled to start for the National League in Tuesday's All-Star game. The Dodgers' right-hander is 10-2 with a 2.91 ERA in 19 games this season.

7/8/2006

Eric Gagne, lad

Gagne will undergo season-ending surgery on Saturday to repair a herniated disc in his lower back. The closer woke up with back pain on Tuesday, but an epidural injection along with a nerve block didn't ease the pain. The Dodgers announced the bad news before Friday's game with the San Francisco Giants.

7/7/2006

Nomar Garciaparra, lad

Garciaparra won the final spot on the NL All-Star team on Thursday, winning a fan vote. The Dodgers first baseman leads the NL with a .358 batting average and has added 10 homers and 50 RBIs in his first season with Los Angeles. This is his sixth All-Star selection _ the previous five came when he was in the AL with Boston.

7/4/2006

Andre Ethier, lad

A day after striking out four times against the Los Angeles Angels, Ethier went 4-for-5 with two doubles and two RBIs in the Dodgers' 10-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday.

7/3/2006

Brad Penny, lad

Penny was selected to his first All-Star team Sunday as one of the eight starting pitchers on the National League roster. He is 9-2 with a 2.94 ERA this season.

6/27/2006

Brett Tomko, lad

Tomko was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with a strained left oblique muscle, with the move retroactive to Saturday. The Dodgers' right-hander was scheduled to start Wednesday against Minnesota, but will be replaced by left-hander Odalis Perez. Tomko pitched five shutout innings Friday, allowing just two hits and no walks, before leaving a 10-4 victory over Pittsburgh with the injury.

6/24/2006

Brett Tomko, lad

Despite leaving with an injury, Tomko snapped a string of five consecutive losing starts in the Dodgers' 10-4 rout of the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night. The 33-year-old right-hander allowed two hits and no walks through five innings before a strained left oblique muscle ended his outing after 69 pitches.

6/23/2006

Derek Lowe, lad

Lowe pitched a seven-hitter to win his fifth straight decision as Los Angeles topped the Seattle Mariners 4-2 on Thursday.

6/13/2006

Jeff Kent, lad

Kent is expected to be activated from the disabled list by the Dodgers for Tuesday's game against the San Diego Padres. The 38-year-old second baseman missed 14 games with a sprained left wrist he suffered when swinging at a pitch on May 27 in a 3-1 win over the Washington Senators.

6/3/2006

Jeff Kent, lad

Kent was placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday because of a sprained left wrist, retroactive to May 28. The Dodgers' second baseman sustained the injury swinging at a pitch against Washington on May 27 and has missed six straight games. "There's no big tears, there's no fractures of the bone, so I'm hoping this is just a bad, bad sprain that is just going to take a few days to heal," said Kent, who received an injection Thursday to lessen the pain.

Eric Gagne, lad

Gagne made his first appearance since June 12 of last season pitching a hitless ninth inning in Friday's 8-6 loss to Philadelpia. The Dodgers' closer came off the disabled list on Tuesday after undergoing two right shoulder surgeries in less than a year, but then had to serve a two-game suspension. Gagne had one walk, one strikeout and hit one batter in his return to the mound.

6/1/2006

Jeff Kent, lad

Kent will undergo an MRI on his wrist on Thursday after missing his fourth straight game. The Dodgers second baseman is feeling pain and has swelling in his wrist since Saturday when he left after two innings."We want to make sure he's got a bone bruise. We've got to find out for sure," manager Jeff Kent said. "He's not swinging at 100 percent and that's the [holdup]. If he's going to be a number of days more, we'll have to make a move."

5/31/2006

Greg Maddux, lad

Maddux got his first win in May on Tuesday in an 8-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds. The Chicago Cubs right-hander went just 5 2-3 innings after a 61-minute rain delay left him feeling stiff.

5/30/2006

Eric Gagne, lad

The Los Angeles Dodgers activated Gagne Tuesday but announced he began serving a two-game suspension and will not join the team until Thursday. Gagne completed his second minor league rehab stint with Triple-A Las Vegas Monday, recording a save in an 8-6 win. "My arm felt great," the closer said. "I feel confident. I'll be ready for Thursday."

5/28/2006

Jeff Kent, lad

Kent missed his second consecutive game for the Dodgers on Sunday, due to a sprained left wrist. It is the same wrist that the second baseman fractured in 2002, while riding his motorcycle. He is hoping to return for Monday's contest with the Atlanta Braves.

J.D. Drew, lad

Drew missed his second consecutive game for the Dodgers on Sunday, due to right shoulder soreness. The right fielder is hoping to return for Monday's matchup with the Atlanta Braves.

Matt Kemp, lad

Kemp's contract was purchased by the Dodgers from Double-A Jacksonville before Sunday's 10-4 loss to the Washington Nationals. The 21-year-old Kemp made his major league debut in center field and went 1-for-4 with three strikeouts in the loss.

5/27/2006

Jeff Kent, lad

Kent left the Dodgers' 3-1 win over the Washington Nationals on Saturday in the third inning with a sprained left wrist. It is the same wrist that the second baseman fractured in 2002, while riding his motorcycle.

J.D. Drew, lad

Drew did not play in the Dodgers' 3-1 win over the Washington Nationals on Saturday, due to right shoulder soreness. The right fielder is hoping to return for Monday's matchup with the Atlanta Braves.

Eric Gagne, lad

Gagne is expected to be eased into the Dodgers' closer role when he returns from surgery to remove a repositioned nerve in his right elbow. The Dodgers hope they will be able to activate the reliever by June 1 after a rehabillitation stint with Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday.

5/17/2006

Bill Mueller, lad

Mueller has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, and the Los Angeles Daily News reports the procedure went smoothly. The newspaper says the Dodgers' third baseman is expected to miss about five weeks.

Eric Gagne, lad

Gagne, who underwent surgery in early April to have a nerve removed from his throwing elbow, has been working on the side lately. The Los Angeles Daily News reports the Dodgers' closer will throw live batting practice for the first time Friday at Dodger Stadium. Exactly when Gagne will return remains uncertain.

5/16/2006

Nomar Garciaparra, lad

Garciaparra singled home the go-ahead run in the seventh inning of the Dodgers' 5-4 win over Colorado Monday night. It was the only hit of the night for the Dodgers' first baseman, who extended his hitting streak to 10 games. During his streak, he is 19-for-43 (.442) with six doubles, three home runs and 14 RBIs.

5/11/2006

Jason Repko, lad

Repko sprained his ankle in the Dodgers' 12-7 win over Houston Tuesday, and he was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday. He was injured trying to climb the outfield wall at Dodger Stadium in an attempt to rob Houston's Morgan Ensberg of a home run. The Los Angeles outfielder was off to a good start in his first full season in the majors, batting .304 with a .392 on-base percentage. He has scored 13 runs and driven in 12 in 25 games.

5/6/2006

Bill Mueller, lad

Mueller, the only Dodger to appear in each of the team's first 29 games, sat out for the first time Friday because of a sore right knee that is expected to sideline him at least another 3-4 days.

5/4/2006

Greg Maddux, lad

Maddux suffered his first loss of the season Wednesday, allowing five runs over five innings of a 5-1 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Cubs' right-hander had given up just five runs in his previous five starts combined. He is now 5-1 with a 2.35 ERA.

Julio Lugo, lad

A report in the St. Petersburg Times states Lugo will return to the Tampa Bay lineup either this weekend in Oakland or early next week in Seattle. The Devil Rays' shortstop has been out since suffering a strained intercostal muscle in the first game of the season. He was 2-for-2 with a double before going down.

4/28/2006

Greg Maddux, lad

For the first time in his career, Maddux is off to a 5-0 start. The Cubs' right-hander, who turned 40 on April 14, is still reaching personal milestones even as he was collecting his 323rd career win Friday. Maddux allowed eight hits and two runs over eight innings, twice escaping bases-loaded jams en route to a 6-2 victory over Milwaukee.

4/25/2006

Nomar Garciaparra, lad

Garciaparra hit a go-ahead grand slam off Brad Lidge for his first RBIs with the Dodgers, leading Los Angeles to a 6-2 win over the Houston Astros on Monday. "I just threw the barrel at it, tried to drive it," Garciaparra said. "Fortunately for me, I got lucky and it went out for me."

4/24/2006

Greg Maddux, lad

With seven scoreless innings against St. Louis on Sunday, Maddux won his first four starts of a season for the first time in his career. The future Hall of Famer improved to 4-0 and whittled his league-leading ERA to 0.99. With the win, Maddux, who turned 40 on April 14, claimed the 322nd victory of his career. He pulled to within two wins of Nolan Ryan and Don Sutton at 324, and he is three behind John Clarkson and five behind Steve Carlton. Maddux is 322-189.

4/23/2006

Nomar Garciaparra, lad

Garciaparra made his season debut on Saturday night after finishing a two-game minor league rehab stint. The new Dodgers first baseman began the season on the DL after straining his right rib cage muscle just before spring training ended. He was 4-for-8 in two games with Triple-A Las Vegas.

4/21/2006

Nomar Garciaparra, lad

Garciaparra is expected to join the Dodgers over the weekend after playing in a pair of Triple-A games at Las Vegas. In his first rehab appearance Thursday night, he went 2-for-3 and scored a run. Garciaparra doubled to deep right-center field on the game's first pitch and singled in the third inning. He has been out since suffering a rib cage injury in the Dodgers' final exhibition game in late March.

4/17/2006

Jeff Kent, lad

Kent was beaned in the seventh inning of the Dodgers' Sunday night game with the Giants. The Los Angeles second baseman came out of the game after taking a pitch from Giants starter Brad Hennessey just behind his left temple. A CT scan after the game diagnosed a mild concussion. The Los Angeles Times is reporting that Kent will visit an ophthalmologist Monday because of cloudiness in his left eye.

4/11/2006

Mark Hendrickson, lad

Hendrickson was placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Devil Rays on Monday with left shoulder tightness. The Tampa Bay left-hander likely will miss two starts and is eligible to return on April 22. To take his place, right-hander Jason Hammel was recalled from Triple-A Durham.

4/7/2006

Eric Gagne, lad

Gagne underwent surgery Friday to have a nerve removed from his throwing elbow. The Dodgers' closer, who was coming back from elbow surgery in February 2005, will miss six to eight weeks. His velocity was down this spring, but he was getting hitters out in exhibition games. Gagne told team officials Wednesday that he had been pitching in pain.

4/6/2006

Julio Lugo, lad

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays placed Lugo on the 15-day disabled list Thursday, retroactive to April 4. The Rays' shortstop suffered an abdominal strain on opening day in a 9-6 loss to the Baltimore Orioles.

4/5/2006

Nomar Garciaparra, lad

The Los Angeles Dodgers placed Garciaparra on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with a strained muscle in his right side. The veteran infielder, who is moving from shortstop to first base this season, was injured on a swing during his first at-bat of Sunday's exhibition finale against the Angels in Anaheim. "I believe it's only going to be a two-week thing," Garciaparra said.

Eric Gagne, lad

Gagne has dropped an appeal of a two-game suspension going back to last year, and the Dodgers' closer will miss games Tuesday and Wednesday. The decision may have been made easier by a painful ear infection that has forced Gagne to take antibiotics, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.

Julio Lugo, lad

Lugo will miss Tampa Bay's game against Baltimore on Wednesday, and it's possible the Rays' starting shortstop will land on the 15-day disabled list with a strained abdominal muscle.

James Loney, lad

The Los Angeles Dodgers placed Nomar Garciaparra on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday and recalled Loney to take his place. The 21-year-old rookie, who has never played above the Double-A level, went 1-for-3 with a walk Tuesday night in his major league debut. Loney, batting fifth for the Dodgers, debuted by walking and scoring in a four-run first inning. He singled off John Smoltz in the third inning for his first big league hit.

4/4/2006

Kenny Lofton, lad

The Los Angeles Dodgers have placed Lofton on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left calf muscle. Dodgers manager Grady Little decided that keeping his center fielder out in the early going was a better option that risking a long-term injury by having Lofton play.

Nomar Garciaparra, lad

Garciaparra didn't start the Dodgers' opener Monday after injuring a muscle in his right side during his first at-bat in Sunday's exhibition finale against the Angels. Garciaparra, who is making a move to first base, is to be re-evaluated Tuesday and could land on the 15-day disabled list.

Julio Lugo, lad

Lugo, who left Tampa Bay's opener on Monday with an abdominal strain, underwent treatment Tuesday and is day-to-day. Whether he will bounce back enough from the strain to play Wednesday against the Orioles is uncertain.

Jason Repko, lad

With Kenny Lofton going on the disabled list with a left calf muscle strain, Repko started in center field Monday in the Dodgers' 11-10 loss to Atlanta. Repko went 2-for-5 with a single and an RBI double. He should get most of the starts in center while Lofton is out.

4/3/2006

Julio Lugo, lad

Lugo left Tampa Bay's season-opening 9-6 loss to Baltimore Monday. The Devil Rays' shortstop and leadoff hitter departed in the fourth inning with a strained muscle in his left rib cage. He singled and doubled in two trips, scoring two runs before leaving. Lugo's status for Wednesday's game in Baltimore is uncertain.

3/29/2006

Jeff Kent, lad

Kent and the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to an $11.5 million, one-year contract extension that employs the second baseman through 2007. The 38-year-old Kent, who gets $9.4 million this year under his previous contract, receives a $2 million signing bonus payable in installments and a 2007 salary of $9 million. The deal contains a $9 million team option for 2008 with a $500,000 buyout, and the option would become guaranteed if he has 550 plate appearances in 2007.

Eric Gagne, lad

Gagne has posted decent numbers this spring, though the Dodgers' website is reporting that his velocity is down from when his elbow was healthy. The Dodgers' closer has allowed two home runs in his first seven spring innings after allowing just two in 82 1/3 innings during his Cy Young season in 2003. He has worked nine frames, allowing three runs and striking out 12.

Rafael Furcal, lad

Furcal was forced to leave an exhibition game Tuesday with back spasms. The Dodgers' shortstop first experienced discomfort running from first to third base, reports the Los Angeles Times, and left after sliding head-first into home a short time later.

Jayson Werth, lad

Werth hasn't made much progress from offseason wrist surgery. The Los Angeles Times reports that the Dodgers' outfielder has been unable to swing a bat without pain all spring. There is no timetable for his return.

3/15/2006

Rafael Furcal, lad

Furcal enjoyed a successful return to the diamond Wednesday following offseason knee surgery. The Dodgers' shortstop, who was signed away from Atlanta over the winter, walked and stole a base against his former team. Furcal also grounded out before leaving the game in the third inning.

3/14/2006

Rafael Furcal, lad

Furcal is expected to make his first appearance in a spring training game Wednesday. The Dodgers' shortstop, who was signed to a $39 million, three-year contract in December, has been rehabbing a surgically repaired right knee this spring. His spring debut will come against his old team, the Atlanta Braves.

Mark Hendrickson, lad

Hendrickson, who has been bothered by a leg injury this spring, is scheduled to make his spring training debut Thursday against the Red Sox. The Tampa Bay right-hander was 11-8 with a 5.90 ERA in 31 starts for the Devil Rays in 2005. If he doesn't suffer a setback, Hendrickson will start the season in the Rays' rotation.

3/11/2006

Rafael Furcal, lad

Furcal ran the bases on Friday for the first time this spring and reported an improvement in his surgically repaired right knee. The Dodgers shortstop is tentatively scheduled to play in his first game Friday.

3/9/2006

Eric Gagne, lad

In his first game action since last June, Gagne needed just five pitches to work a perfect inning against the Baltimore Orioles. The Dodgers' closer threw only fastballs and said he felt good afterwards, roughly nine months after right elbow surgery. The right-hander is expected to work again Saturday against the Washington Nationals.

2/28/2006

Jeff Kent, lad

Kent, coming off January surgery to remove scar tissue and repair a ligament in his right wrist, took batting practice with his Dodger teammates Tuesday. It was his first formal batting practice of the spring, and the Dodgers' infielder swung easily without discomfort.

2/23/2006

Eric Gagne, lad

Gagne was able to pitch to hitters Thursday for the first time since he had elbow surgery last June. The Dodgers' All-Star closer and the 2003 NL Cy Young Award winner threw 20 pitches to four batters. He appeared in only 14 games last season and said he wasn't going to rush his recovery.

1/17/2006

Mark Hendrickson, lad

Hendrickson agreed to a $1.95 million, one-year contract with Tampa Bay on Monday, avoiding arbitration. The 6-foot-9 left-hander, a former NBA player, went 11-8 with a 5.90 ERA for the Devil Rays last season.

1/15/2006

Lance Carter, lad

The Los Angeles Dodgers strengthened their bullpen by acquiring Carter and fellow reliever Danys Baez from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays Saturday for two pitching prospects. Carter, who signed a 2006 contract in December, had an off year for the Devil Rays in 2005. He was 1-2 with a save and a 4.89 ERA that was his worst among his three full seasons in the majors.

1/10/2006

Rafael Furcal, lad

Just a month after being the hottest free agent on the market, Furcal announced he will undergo arthroscopic surgery Wednesday on his right knee. The switch-hitting shortstop, who signed a $39 million, three-year contract Dec. 7 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, is expected to recover fully in two to three week and should be available when spring training begins.

1/7/2006

Jeff Kent, lad

Kent is scheduled to undergo surgery on his right wrist Tuesday, Jan. 10, to remove scar tissue. He is expected to be recovered in time for spring training.

12/30/2005

Giovanni Carrara, lad

The Pirates signed Carrara to a minor league deal on Thursday, and the veteran right-handed reliever will be with the team in spring training. The 38-year-old has played in parts of nine major league seasons with five different teams. He owns a career record of 29-17 with a 4.70 ERA in 288 appearances.

12/22/2005

Brett Tomko, lad

The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to make noise this offseason, agreeing to a two-year, $8.7 million contract with veteran Brett Tomko. The right-hander, who will turn 33 in April, spent last season with division rival San Francisco Giants, going 8-15 with a 4.48 ERA, three complete games and one save in 33 appearances, including 30 starts.

12/21/2005

Lance Carter, lad

Carter signed a one-year contract with the Devil Rays on Wednesday. The terms of the deal were not announced. Carter was 1-2 with one save and a 4.89 ERA in 39 games for Tampa Bay last season. The reliever split time between the Devil Rays and Triple-A Durham.

Toby Hall, lad

Hall resigned with the Devil Rays on Tuesday night as the two sides agreed to a $2.25 million, one-year contract. Hall batted .287 with five homers and 48 RBIs in 135 games last season as Tampa Bay's regular catcher.

12/20/2005

Kenny Lofton, lad

Lofton agreed to a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday. The six-time All-Star hit .335 in 110 games for Philadelphia last year and possessed the National League's highest average among players with 350 or more at-bats. He had a .392 on-base percentage and batted .330 with runners in scoring position.

12/18/2005

Nomar Garciaparra, lad

Garciaparra and the Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to a one-year contract, the Associated Press reported. The 32-year-old and five-time All-Star also considered the New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, and Houston Astros before making his decision.

12/14/2005

Bill Mueller, lad

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Mueller have come to terms on a two-year deal worth roughly $9.5 million. The third baseman is reuniting with his former manager in Boston (new Dodgers skipper Grady Little) and a former assistant GM with San Francisco (new GM Ned Colletti). With Boston in 2005, Mueller batted .295 with 34 doubles, 10 homers and 62 RBIs in 150 games.

12/8/2005

Elmer Dessens, lad

The Kansas City Star reported that Dessens has signed a contract with the Kansas City Royals for $3.4 million over two years.

12/7/2005

Rafael Furcal, lad

Furcal has passed his physical with the Los Angeles Dodgers, making his signing official. After considering offers from the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves, the shortstop decided to head west, inking a three-year contract worth a reported $39 million. In 154 games with the Braves last season, he batted .284 with 12 home runs, 58 RBIs and 46 stolen bases.

12/4/2005

Rafael Furcal, lad

Nothing is official at this point, but reportedly, Furcal has agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, pending a physical. The shortstop, who also was speaking with the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves, is expected to receive a three-year deal worth nearly $40 million. In 154 games last season, he batted .284 with 12 home runs, 58 RBI and 46 stolen bases.

11/30/2005

J.D. Drew, lad

The Los Angeles Times is reporting that Drew pays a visit to Dodger physicians Frank Jobe and Norman Zemel on Wednesday. The evaluation is a followup to mid-September surgery to clean out his right shoulder and wrist. Jobe and Zemel had cleaned out cartilage and repaired a frayed labrum at the same time they operated on the right wrist.

11/26/2005

Jayson Werth, lad

Werth has undergone surgery to repair torn ligaments in his left wrist. The Dodgers' outfielder missed seven weeks early in the 2005 season after breaking the same wrist.

11/4/2005

Elmer Dessens, lad

Dessens has decided to decline his part of a mutual option to return with the Dodgers for 2006, and will test the free agency waters.

Jose Cruz, lad

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Cruz agreed to a one-year, $3.21 million deal for 2006. The outfielder will return to the Dodgers, who acquired him from Boston last August. Cruz was a key contributor after the trade, batting .301 with 22 extra-base hits, 22 RBIs and a .532 slugging mark in 47 games as a Dodger. Overall in 2005, in 115 games with Arizona, Boston and Los Angeles, Cruz was a .251 hitter with 18 homers and 50 RBIs. The deal includes a club option for 2007.

11/3/2005

Kenny Lofton, lad

Lofton has declared for free agency.

11/1/2005

Nomar Garciaparra, lad

Garciaparra filed for free agency Monday. He hit .283 and slugged .452 in 230 at-bats in 2005, hitting nine home runs and driving in 30 runs.

Julio Lugo, lad

The Devil Rays exercised a $4.95 million option on Lugo's contract, retaining the veteran shortstop for 2006. Lugo enjoyed his best major league season last year, hitting .295 in 158 games, with six home runs, 61 RBI, 89 runs and 39 stolen bases.

10/24/2005

Kenny Lofton, lad

Lofton had surgery on Friday to remove tissue from his left knee. The Phillies' outfielder, who mostly platooned in center with Jason Michaels, batted .335 and scored 67 runs in 110 games in 2005. The 38-year-old Lofton should be ready for spring training.

9/23/2005

Greg Maddux, lad

Although he didn't return to the mound to attempt a complete game, Maddux tossed a gem in Thursday's 3-0 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. The Cubs' veteran righthander went eight solid innings, limiting his opponent to just four hits. He struck out four and walked none. For the season, Maddux is 13-13 with a 4.14 ERA.

9/17/2005

Greg Maddux, lad

With his loss to the Cardinals on Saturday, it will be more difficult for Maddux (12-13) to extend his major league-record streak of consecutive 15-win seasons to 18. Maddux has two scheduled starts remaining, with an outside shot of making another one on short rest before the end of the season. He is also looking to avoid his first losing season since 1987, when he went 6-14.

Yhency Brazoban, lad

Brazoban tied the franchise record for appearances by a rookie pitcher on Friday night. Brazoban threw one scoreless inning in the loss to the Dodgers in making his 67th appearance of the season.

9/15/2005

J.D. Drew, lad

Arthroscopic procedures are scheduled for Tuesday, which will clean out Drew's right shoulder and right wrist. Doctors will also take a look at the broken left wrist that landed the Dodgers' outfielder on the disabled list in the first place. That wrist might be the subject of a cleanup as well. Reportedly Drew will be ready for spring training, regardless of the amount of work that is done on him Tuesday.

9/11/2005

Derek Lowe, lad

Lowe reached double-digit wins for the 2005 campaign, tossing 7.2 solid innings in Saturday's 3-1 victory over the San Diego Padres. The Dodgers' righthander allowed one run on seven hits, striking out four and walking two. For the year, he is 10-13 with a 3.67 ERA and two complete game shutouts in 31 starts.

J.D. Drew, lad

Drew will be shut down for a week after experiencing discomfort in his left wrist during a batting practice session a couple of days ago. The outfielder has been sidelined since breaking the wrist when he was hit by a pitch in a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 3, and there's a good chance that he won't return this season.

9/9/2005

Nomar Garciaparra, lad

Garciaparra went 2-for-5 with a double and three RBI in the Cubs' 5-3 win over the San Francisco Giants Thursday night. He has hit four home runs and driven in 12 in the last 10 games.

9/8/2005

Greg Maddux, lad

Maddux tossed 5.2 innings of shutout ball en route to a 2-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. The outing pushed him beyond 400 innings over the past two years, securing his $9 million option for next season per his contract with the Cubs.

9/3/2005

Hong-Chih Kuo, lad

The Dodgers purchased Kuo's contract from Double-A Jacksonville on Friday.

9/1/2005

Brad Penny, lad

Penny began serving a five-game suspension Wednesday night after dropping his appeal of the penalty earlier in the day. The suspension was handed down after the Dodgers' righthander threw his helmet following a play at first base in a game against the Dodgers in July, was ejected from the contest, then returned to the field and had a heated argument with an umpire.

Joe Beimel, lad

On Wednesday, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays placed righthander Seth McClung on the bereavement list and recalled Beimel from Triple-A Durham. The lefthanded reliever had worked three scoreless innings for the Rays in July, and he didn't allow a run in two-thirds of an inning Wednesday against Boston. At Durham, Beimel was 1-2 with a 3.93 ERA in 48 relief appearances.

8/28/2005

Jeff Kent, lad

With his home run in the bottom of the sixth inning, Jeff Kent became the first player in the history of baseball to hit 300 home runs as a second baseman. The home run was the 325th of Kent's 14-year career.

8/26/2005

Nomar Garciaparra, lad

Garciaparra's back has improved over the past couple of days, and the veteran plans to return to the Cubs' lineup for Friday's game against the Florida Marlins. However, he won't be in his normal spot at shortstop, but instead will be handling the third-base duties in Aramis Ramirez' absence. Neifi Perez and Ronny Cedeno will split time at short.

8/24/2005

Toby Hall, lad

Toby Hall has cleared waivers, which could trigger a trade before the August 31 deadline.

Oscar Robles, lad

Robles had a career-high four RBIs in the Dodgers' 8-3 victory over the Rockies on Tuesday. In addition to the RBIs, the Dodgers' third baseman went 2-for-4 including a double.

8/23/2005

Nomar Garciaparra, lad

According to manager Dusty Baker, Garciaparra's ailing lower back continues to be a problem, and the shortstop was absent from the Cubs' lineup on Monday for the third time in four days. Garciaparra is bothered more by the ailment when running than hitting. He is listed as day-to-day.

8/22/2005

Nomar Garciaparra, lad

After missing two consecutive starts with stiffness in his lower back, Garciaparra returned to the Cubs' lineup for Sunday's meeting with the Colorado Rockies, going 2-for-5 with a pair of doubles and an RBI. The veteran shortstop should be fine going forward.

Derek Lowe, lad

Lowe turned in his second-shortest outing of the 2005 campaign, lasting just 3.2 innings in Sunday's 7-1 loss to the Florida Marlins. The Dodgers' righthander surrendered six runs on seven hits, struck out three and walked three prior to his departure. With the loss, he dropped to 8-12 on the season and saw his ERA jump to 4.20.

8/21/2005

J.D. Drew, lad

Drew continues to recover from a broken left wrist, but he likely won't be ready to return to the Dodgers' lineup for another 3-4 weeks. The Dodgers' outfielder has been sidelined since suffering the injury when he was hit by a pitch in a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 3.

8/18/2005

Nomar Garciaparra, lad

Due to stiffness in his lower back, Garciaparra was pulled from the Cubs' lineup in the fifth inning of Wednesday's meeting with the Houston Astros as a precautionary measure. The shortstop, who belted a solo home run just an inning prior, has been listed as day-to-day. Neifi Perez took over in his absence.

8/17/2005

Julio Lugo, lad

Lugo's hand was still sore on Tuesday, one day after jamming it while sliding into second base in a game against the New York Yankees. As a result, the Devil Rays decided to hold the infielder out of the lineup as a precautionary measure, giving Alex Gonzalez the start at shortstop instead. He has been listed as day-to-day.

8/12/2005

Greg Maddux, lad

Although he didn't finish with the most impressive stat line, Maddux notched his first complete game of the 2005 campaign and 106th of his major league career, going the distance in Thursday's victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cubs' righthander allowed four runs on 12 hits, struck out five and did not walk a batter.

Wilson Alvarez, lad

Alvarez, who has been trying to pitch through a painful shoulder problem, has been placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Los Angeles Dodgers. The move opens a spot on the roster for outfielder Jayson Werth, activated from the DL on Thursday.

Jayson Werth, lad

Werth was back in the Dodgers' lineup for Thursday night's meeting with the Philadelphia Phillies after being activated from the 15-day disabled list earlier in the day. The outfielder, who missed more than two weeks with inflammation in his knee, went 0-for-2 with a pair of walks, two runs scored and a stolen base in his return.

8/11/2005

Yhency Brazoban, lad

Brazoban hit a batter, walked two, surrendered a grand slam and did not record an out before being pulled from Wednesday's loss to the Philadelphia Phillies in favor of Giovanni Carrara. The Dodgers' closer has seen his ERA balloon from 5.16 to 6.46 over his last two appearances, allowing a total of seven runs on five hits in just two-thirds of an inning.

8/10/2005

Jose Cruz, lad

Cruz has been traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for a player to be named later. The Sox acquired the outfielder from the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 30 for two minor leaguers, but he appeared in only four games for Boston, going 3-for-12 at the plate with no home runs and zero RBI.

8/9/2005

Pat Borders, lad

Borders was given his outright release by the Mariners.

Jose Cruz, lad

After just 10 days with the club, Cruz was designated for assignment by the Red Sox on Monday. The outfielder was acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 30 for two minor leaguers, but appeared in only four games for Boston, going 3-for-12 at the plate with no home runs and zero RBI.

8/7/2005

Nomar Garciaparra, lad

Garciaparra went 0-for-4 in his return to action on Friday, but the Cubs' shortstop had to be pleased to be back on the field after missing close to three-and-a-half months with a torn tendon in his left groin. Garciaparra went straight into the starting lineup after being out since April 21. He was 8-for-51 (.157) on the season when he went down with the injury.

Brett Tomko, lad

Tomko has been scratched from his scheduled start Sunday, as the San Francisco righthander has been hobbled by a bruise on his right foot that has forced him to wear a walking boot for the past three days. The injury doesn't appear to be serious, but the boot helped limit Tomko's activity with the team.

Wilson Betemit, lad

The Atlanta Braves don't expect to have Chipper Jones back until the middle of the upcoming week, so look for Betemit to see most of the playing time at third base for the next few days.

8/6/2005

Aaron Sele, lad

The Texas Rangers signed Sele to a minor league contract on Saturday. The pitcher, who was released by the Seattle Mariners earlier in the week, will report to Triple-A Oklahoma. He is 6-12 with a 5.66 ERA on the season and has lost seven straight starts.

8/5/2005

Wilson Alvarez, lad

Although his plan is to likely retire at the end of the season, Alvarez will remain with the Dodgers and pitch through shoulder discomfort the rest of the 2005 campaign. The 35-year-old righthander will be used in long relief and will only pitch every few days.

8/3/2005

Jeff Kent, lad

Kent hit his 20th home run of the season in a 5-4 Dodgers win over the Washington Nationals Tuesday, the ninth consecutive year in which he has hit 20 or more, a major league record for second basemen.

Julio Lugo, lad

Lugo was a late scratch for Tampa Bay's win over Texas Tuesday. The Rays' shortstop had departed Sunday's contest after feeling some discomfort in his left knee while running the bases. The knee still was tender on Tuesday after Monday's off day. Lugo probably won't return to the Tampa Bay lineup until Friday. He has been given anti-inflammatories and was told to rest the knee for a few days.

8/2/2005

Wilson Alvarez, lad

Alvarez has decided to not travel with the team for an unspecified amount of time. Dodgers manager Jim Tracy said that Alvarez will be allowed some time with his family. Alvarez gave word that he was contemplating retirement last week, after serving up a go-ahead home run to the Cardinals' Jim Edmonds, but has yet to confirm anything.

8/1/2005

Aaron Sele, lad

The day after the July 31 trade deadline, the Seattle Mariners executed another change by releasing Sele. The 35-year-old righthander was 6-12 with a 5.66 ERA in 21 starts for the Mariners. The Mariners have recalled righthander Jorge Campillo from Triple-A Tacoma to replace Sele in the Seattle rotation.

Jayson Werth, lad

Werth, who missed most of the first two months of 2005 with a fractured wrist, is going back on the 15-day disabled list with a left knee injury. The Dodgers' outfielder has had trouble fully extending the knee, and he has had to have fluid drained from it. Werth was placed on the DL Sunday with a .241 average, five home runs and 25 RBI in 56 games for the Dodgers.

7/31/2005

Pat Borders, lad

The Seattle Mariners designated Borders for assignment on Friday, and by Sunday, the Mariners' scene behind the plate had changed dramatically. The team dealt Miguel Olivo to San Diego and acquired backstops Yorvit Torrealba and Miguel Ojeda in seperate trades -- on top of recalling Wiki Gonzalez. Gonzalez and Torrealba are most likely to hold down jobs with the Mariners, with Ojeda likely heading to Triple-A Tacoma.

7/30/2005

Nomar Garciaparra, lad

The Chicago Cubs are expected to activate Garciaparra from the disabled list on Friday. The shortstop, who has been sidelined since April 21, is expected to make four more minor league rehab appearances before returning to the Cubs.

Jose Cruz, lad

The Boston Red Sox acquired outfielder Jose Cruz Jr. from the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday night, in exchange for minor league infielder Kenny Perez and minor league righthander Kyle Bono. Cruz had been designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks a few days ago, after batting .213 with 12 home runs and 28 RBI in 64 games.

7/29/2005

Jonathan Broxton, lad

On Friday, the Los Angeles Dodgers designated veteran Scott Erickson for assignment and recalled Broxton from Double-A Jacksonville. The 21-year-old pitching prospect was 4-3 with a 3.36 ERA and 99 strikeouts in 91 innings for Jacksonville. He has seen his velocity jump into the high 90s with a recent move to the bullpen.

7/28/2005

Nomar Garciaparra, lad

Garciaparra reported feeling pain-free after his first minor league rehab game with Class-A Peoria on Wednesday. The Cubs' shortstop, who has been sidelined since April 20 while recovering from surgery to repair a torn tendon in his left groin, went 1-for-4 with two RBI in the contest and fielded two grounders, including a double play in the fifth inning. He is scheduled to play again on Thursday before being re-evaluated on Friday.

Jose Cruz, lad

Cruz has been designated for assignment by the Arizona Diamondbacks after seeing his batting average dip to a dismal .213. The outfielder, who was acquired from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays prior to the start of the 2005 campaign, has struggled since returning from a strained lower back in early May. The injury forced him to miss 27 games. Shawn Green is expected to take over in center field for Arizona, while Chad Tracy will shift from first base to right.

Jayson Werth, lad

Werth had a small amount of fluid drained from his ailing left knee on Wednesday, making him unavailable for a meeting with the Cincinnati Reds. The outfielder, who was replaced in the Dodgers' lineup by Ricky Ledee, is not expected to miss much time, as the ailment is considered minor.

7/27/2005

Greg Maddux, lad

Fanning veteran Omar Vizquel in the third inning of Tuesday's meeting with the San Francisco Giants, Maddux notched the 3,000th strikeout of his major league career. The Cubs' veteran righthander is just the ninth pitcher to reach 300 wins and 3,000 K's, joining Nolan Ryan, Roger Clemens, Steve Carlton, Tom Seaver, Don Sutton, Gaylord Perry, Walter Johnson and Phil Niekro.

7/26/2005

Derek Lowe, lad

Lowe began to develop a blister on his thumb in the fourth inning of Monday's meeting with the Cincinnati Reds, but he remained on the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The righthander did not appear to be hindered by the ailment, as he tossed eight shutout innings, allowing just one hit, striking out five and walking one. Lowe will receive treatment for the blister over the next couple of days and fully expects to be ready for his next start.

Oscar Robles, lad

Robles has seen his batting average drop 50 points over his past five games, notching just one hit in his last 21 at-bats. The Dodgers' infielder, who starting at third base and batting leadoff, has been making contact, striking out only once and drawing two walks over that span.

7/25/2005

Nomar Garciaparra, lad

According to Chicago Cubs manager Dusty Baker, Garciaparra is scheduled to join Class-A Peoria on Tuesday to begin a minor league rehab assignment. The veteran shortstop will play a few games at that level, and if no problems are reported, he'll jump up to Double-A or Triple-A to continue to work on his timing and conditioning. Barring any setbacks, he could be back with the Cubs as early as next week.

7/24/2005

Chin-Feng Chen, lad

The Dodgers designated Chen for assignment on Saturday, a move that coincided with the activation of outfielder Milton Bradley from the disabled list. Chen had been recalled from Triple-A in early July to help compensate for injuries to Bradley, J.D. Drew and Ricky Ledee. In eight plate appearances this month, Chen had a pair of hits and four strikeouts.

7/22/2005

Brad Penny, lad

Penny has been suspended for five games and fined an undisclosed amount for his actions in a game against the Giants last week. The Dodgers' righthander threw his helmet following a play at first base, then returned to the field and had a heated argument with an umpire. Penny is expected to appeal the penalty, meaning he will be allowed to pitch until a hearing is held in front of MLB.

Lance Carter, lad

Carter will make an unanticipated trip to Durham after the Tampa Bay Devil Rays demoted him to the minors on Friday. Carter, who opened the 2004 season as the Rays' closer, departs with a 1-2 record a save and a 5.16 ERA in 35 games this season. Since the start of June, the 30-year-old righthander has posted a 7.13 ERA and .314 opponent batting average in 15 appearances.

7/21/2005

Nomar Garciaparra, lad

Garciaparra is scheduled to see some game action as early as this weekend, joining the Cubs' rookie league team in Arizona. The veteran shortstop has been sidelined since April 20 while recovering from surgery to repair a torn tendon in his left groin, but barring any setbacks, he could be back with the major league club within the next 2-3 weeks.

Derek Lowe, lad

After losing his last five decisions, Lowe decided to work on his mechanics over the past several days. The changes he made seemed to help, as the Dodgers' righthander recorded the victory with a solid pitching performance in Wednesday's 10-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. In seven innings of work, Lowe allowed two runs -- both unearned -- on six hits, striking out five and walking none.

7/20/2005

Jason Grabowski, lad

Grabowski has been optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas by the Los Angeles Dodgers, opening a spot on the roster for veteran lefthander Wilson Alvarez. The outfielder has appeared in 56 games this season (104 at-bats), batting .163 with four home runs, 11 RBI and a stolen base.

Yhency Brazoban, lad

Without a save in his last four appearances, Brazoban has seen his ERA jump from 4.89 to 6.03. Over that span, the Dodgers' closer has posted an 0-3 record with a blown save, allowing six runs on six hits -- including two home runs -- in 2.1 innings of work. In the month of July, he has a gaudy 18.69 ERA and just one save in six outings.

7/19/2005

Wilson Alvarez, lad

On Tuesday, the Dodgers activated lefthanded pitcher Wilson Alvarez. Alvarez had been on the disabled list with tendenitis in his shoulder. He was originally placed on the DL on May 31.

Wilson Alvarez, lad

On Tuesday, the Dodgers activated Alvarez from the 15-day disabled list and demoted outfielder Jason Grabowski to Triple-A Las Vegas. The veteran lefthander had been on the disabled list in late May with tendinitis in his shoulder.

7/13/2005

Joe Beimel, lad

To make room for reliever Joe Borowski, who was signed earlier this week, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays optioned Beimel to Triple-A Durham. The 28-year-old lefthander didn't give up a run in two relief appearances for the Rays. Over three innings, he allowed two hits and a walk and struck out two.

7/11/2005

Greg Maddux, lad

Maddux pitched into the eighth inning for just the third time in 19 starts this season, allowing just four hits over eight shutout frames in Sunday's 9-2 victory over the Florida Marlins. The Cubs' veteran righthander, who struck out three and walked one, had surrendered 11 runs on 18 hits in his previous 11 innings of work.

Nomar Garciaparra, lad

According to Cubs trainer Mark O'Neal, Garciaparra should be cleared to take part in some extended spring training games within the next week or so. Barring any setbacks, the Cubs' shortstop will begin a minor league rehab assignment shortly thereafter, and he could be back with the major league club by the end of July. Garciaparra has been sidelined since April 20, as he continues to recover from surgery to repair a torn tendon in his left groin.

Rafael Furcal, lad

Furcal recorded a career-high five hits in Sunday's loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, going a perfect 5-for-5 with a double and solo home run. The Braves' shortstop has hit safely in his last five games. Over that span, he is 12-for-23 with a pair of doubles, two homers, five RBI, four runs scored and a stolen base.

7/9/2005

Wilson Alvarez, lad

Alvarez will make his second rehabilitation appearance at Triple-A Las Vegas Saturday, and if all goes well, is expected to eb activated from the disabled list after the All-Star break.

Kelly Wunsch, lad

Wunsch needs surgery on his right ankle and will miss the rest of the 2005 season. The left-hander, who was placed on the disabled list Friday, injured his ankle in a bullpen session on Thursday.

Kelly Wunsch, lad

After spraining his right ankle on Thursday prior to entering the game against the Colorado Rockies, Wunsch will now undergo surgery to repair the ankle and will miss the remainder of the season. Wunsch was extremely effective against left-handed hitters, allowing them a batting average of only .194 against him.

7/8/2005

Kelly Wunsch, lad

Wunsch was about to be inserted into the Dodgers' lineup in Thursday's game against the Colorado Rockies, but he sprained his right ankle while making his final warmup toss and was taken to the clubhouse on a cart. The lefthander will be re-evaluated on Friday to determine the extent of the injury, but he'll likely miss the team's last three games before the All-Star break.

7/6/2005

Jeff Kent, lad

As a precautionary measure, Kent came out of Tuesday's game against the Colorado Rockies in the sixth inning after experiencing some tightness in his left hamstring. The Dodgers' veteran second baseman will be re-evaluated on Wednesday to determine the extent of the injury, but manager Jim Tracy indicated that Kent might sit out a game or two. For now, he has been listed as day-to-day.

J.D. Drew, lad

After undergoing evaluation by a hand specialist, it has been determined that Drew will not need surgery to repair the broken bone in his left wrist. The outfielder, who suffered the injury when he was hit by a Brad Halsey pitch in the fifth inning of Sunday's loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, was placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Dodgers earlier this week, and he is expected to be sidelined about two months.

Oscar Robles, lad

With Cesar Izturis out of action until after the All-Star break with a hamstring injury, Robles will continue to see the majority of the time at shortstop for the Dodgers over the next week or two. Since taking over for the ailing Izturis last week, the rookie infielder is 12-for-24 (.500) with three doubles and four RBI over his last five games.

7/5/2005

Brett Tomko, lad

After being demoted to the bullpen on June 29, Tomko has been added back into the Giants' starting rotation. Tomko is slated to start Thursday's game against the Reds. This season, the righthander is 5-10 with a 5.16 ERA in 18 games this season.

Brett Tomko, lad

After being demoted to the bullpen on June 29, Tomko has been added back into the Giants' starting rotation. The veteran righthader, who is 5-10 with a 5.16 ERA in 18 appearances -- including 16 starts -- this season, is slated to start Thursday's game against the Reds.

Chin-Feng Chen, lad

Chen has been recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas by the Los Angeles Dodgers, filling the roster spot of injured J.D. Drew, who will be sidelined indefinitely with a broken bone in his left wrist. In 61 games with the minor league club this season, Chen was batting .287 with 10 home runs and 47 RBI.

Oscar Robles, lad

Filling in for the banged-up Cesar Izturis, Robles turned in the best performance of his major league career, going 5-for-6 with a double and two RBI in an extra-inning victory over the Colorado Rockies on Monday. The Dodgers' 29-year-old infielder has excelled in Izturis' absence, batting .474 (9-for-19) with a couple of doubles and four RBI in his last four games.

7/4/2005

J.D. Drew, lad

Drew will be placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Los Angeles Dodgers after X-rays revealed a broken bone in his left wrist. The outfielder, who suffered the injury when he was hit by a Brad Halsey pitch in the fifth inning of Sunday's loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, will be evaluated by a hand specialist on Tuesday to determine if surgery is necessary. He is expected to be sidelined for at least a month.

7/3/2005

Joe Beimel, lad

On Sunday, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays placed righthander Doug Waechter on the 15-day disabled list and recalled Beimel from Triple-A Durham to take his place on the 25-man roster. The lefthanded reliever hasn't pitched in the majors since making three relief appearances for the Minnesota Twins last September. He allowed eight runs in 1.2 innings, good for a 43.20 ERA. The 28-year-old Beimel was 1-2 with a 4.06 ERA in 35 appearances at Durham this season.

7/1/2005

Greg Maddux, lad

Maddux got knocked around in Thursday afternoon's tussle with the Milwaukee Brewers, allowing six runs on 10 hits in just five innings of work. Going into the contest, the Cubs' veteran righthander had notched the win in five of his previous six outings, surrendering three or fewer runs in each contest.

Nomar Garciaparra, lad

Garciaparra hopes to start running the bases next week, as he continues to recover from surgery to repair a torn tendon in his left groin. The Cubs' shortstop, who has been sidelined since April 20, has resumed taking grounders and is jogging lightly. If he remains on the current pace, Garciaparra is optimistic that he will be available for the last two months of the 2005 campaign.

6/30/2005

Rafael Furcal, lad

Going 2-for-3 with a walk, stolen base and two runs scored in Wednesday's loss to the Florida Marlins, Furcal notched his fourth consecutive multihit game. Over that span, the Braves' shortstop is 8-for-18 (.444) with two doubles, two triples, two RBI, four steals and seven runs. He's also bumped his on-base percentage up to .291, the highest it has been since mid-May.

6/29/2005

Brett Tomko, lad

According to Giants manager Felipe Alou, Tomko has been demoted to the bullpen to give him some time to get out of his funk. The veteran righthander lasted just 2.2 innings before being pulled from Sunday's 16-0 loss to the Oakland A's, surrendering six runs on a season-high 10 hits prior to his departure. He has lost his last three decisions and seen his ERA jump from 3.86 to its current 5.19 over that span.

6/28/2005

J.D. Drew, lad

After testing out his troublesome left knee earlier in the day, Drew declared himself ready, and he returned to the Dodgers' lineup for Monday night's meeting with the San Diego Padres. The outfielder, who missed the previous five days with soreness and inflammation in the knee, went 2-for-2 with an RBI double and two walks in a 5-4 victory.

6/27/2005

Brett Tomko, lad

Tomko lasted just 2.2 innings before being pulled from Sunday's 16-0 loss to the Oakland A's. The Giants' righthander, who walked two and did not strike out a batter, surrendered six runs on a season-high 10 hits prior to his departure.

6/26/2005

J.D. Drew, lad

The Dodgers are hoping Drew will feel good enough to try playing on his tender left knee Monday night, when Los Angeles hosts San Diego in a key National League West matchup. Drew took live batting practice over the weekend and said he was doing better, but he added that he wouldn't return to the lineup until the inflammation is gone.

6/25/2005

Derek Thompson, lad

The Dodgers' rotation has become quite crowded lately, with Elmer Dessens coming off the disabled list and D.J. Houlton stepping out of the bullpen to start. Thompson, who has been bothered by a tender elbow of late, was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday. The 24-year-old southpaw, who posted a 3.50 ERA without a decision in four games (three starts) for the Dodgers, will start for Las Vegas on Monday.

6/24/2005

J.D. Drew, lad

Drew continues to be bothered by soreness in his left knee, and the outfielder is not expected to see any action on defense in this weekend's series against the Angels, according to Dodgers manager Jim Tracy. However, he could be used as the team's designated hitter. Drew has not played since Tuesday and is hitless in his last five at-bats. In 66 games this season, he is batting .272 with 12 home runs, 31 RBI and one stolen base.

J.D. Drew, lad

Drew continues to be bothered by soreness in his left knee, and the outfielder is not expected to see any action on defense in this weekend's series against the Angels, according to Dodgers manager Jim Tracy. However, Drew could be used as the team's designated hitter. He has not played since Tuesday and is hitless in his last five at-bats. In 66 games this season, he is batting .272 with 12 home runs, 31 RBI and one stolen base.

Eric Gagne, lad

Gagne underwent season-ending surgery on his pitching elbow Friday. But, contrary to expectations, the reliever did not have to have elbow ligament replacement (or Tommy John) surgery, as doctors found less damage than expected. Gagne had Tommy John surgery in 1997, and on Friday doctors did some shaving in the area of the elbow where the original sutures had become frayed. Originally expected to miss 12-14 months, Gagne now should be ready for 2006 Spring Training.

Eric Gagne, lad

Gagne underwent season-ending surgery on his pitching elbow Friday. But, contrary to expectations, the reliever did not need elbow ligament replacement (or Tommy John) surgery, as doctors found less damage than expected. Gagne had Tommy John surgery in 1997, and on Friday, doctors did some shaving in the area of the elbow where the original sutures had become frayed. Originally expected to miss 12-14 months, Gagne now should be ready for spring training in 2006.

Mark Hendrickson, lad

Seth McClung will be recalled to start Sunday against the Marlins, which will push the rest of the Tampa Bay rotation back a day. Hideo Nomo will now pitch Monday, Scott Kazmir will go Tuesday and Hendrickson works Wednesday. Doug Waechter, who will start Friday's series opener against Florida, will go to the bullpen following his start.

6/23/2005

J.D. Drew, lad

Nursing a sore left knee, Drew underwent a precautionary MRI on Wednesday and was absent from the Dodgers' lineup Wednesday night. The tests revealed no major damage, and the outfielder should return to action within the next couple of days. Jason Repko got the nod in center field in Drew's absence.

6/21/2005

Eric Gagne, lad

Dodgers' All-Star closer Eric Gagne has opted to have season ending Tommy John surgery to fix a sprained ligament in his right elbow. Doctors concluded that the star hurler needed the surgery when Gagne had an MRI conducted on the elbow on Tuesday. Specifically, Gagne has a second-degree sprain of his ulnar collateral ligament. Gagne returned from the disabled list earlier this season on May 14 for a short 14 game stint where he collected eight saves in eight tries.

6/17/2005

Elmer Dessens, lad

After returning from the disabled list on Wednesday, Dessens has been chosen to start for the Dodgers Saturday against the Chicago White Sox. Dessens will start in place of Derek Thompson, who has been bothered by some tenderness in his throwing elbow. In two April starts before he was sidelined, Dessens posted a 4.00 ERA in nine innings of work.

Derek Thompson, lad

Bothered by a tender left elbow, Thompson has been scratched from his scheduled start on Saturday against the Chicago White Sox. The 24-year-old southpaw, who has battled similar elbow flareups dating back to spring training, will be replaced by Elmer Dessens on Saturday. In three starts with the Dodgers, Thompson has posted a 4.20 ERA without getting a decision.

6/15/2005

Elmer Dessens, lad

Dessens, on the disabled list since April 20 because of bone spurs in his right shoulder, was activated by the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday. The 34-year-old righthander replaces injured closer Eric Gagne on the 25-man roster. In two April starts before he was sidelined, Dessens posted a 4.00 ERA in nine innings of work.

Eric Gagne, lad

The Los Angeles Dodgers placed Gagne on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday with a sprained ligament in his right elbow, an injury much like the one that sidelined him for the first 35 games of the 2005 season. Dodgers manager Jim Tracy said Gagne aggravated the elbow Sunday night while pitching against Minnesota. After returning from his first DL stint on May 14, the righthanded closer was 1-0 with eight saves, a 2.70 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 13.1 innings.

6/14/2005

Jose Cruz, lad

Cruz sat out Arizona's 8-1 win over the Chicago White Sox Monday. The outfielder said the bulging disk in his lower back continues to flare up, causing him pain in his right leg and sometimes making it difficult to play. The current status of his back may mean another day or two off before he returns to the Arizona lineup. Cruz is batting .227 with eight homers and 20 RBI this season.

Eric Gagne, lad

After a stint on the disabled list to the start the season because of a sprained pitching elbow, Gagne has been working in the low 90s instead of the mid-90s. He's also turned to his changeup more. With the movement on his pitches, including that nasty changeup of his, the results largely have been the same. Gagne is 1-0 with eight saves, a 2.70 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 13.1 innings.

Eric Gagne, lad

It's possible that Gagne may be headed back to the disabled list. Dodger manager Jim Tracy said that Gagne aggravated his pitching elbow, the same elbow that landed him on the disabled list following spring training. Tracy also went on to say that "in all likelihood" Gagne will make a return trip to the DL so he has time to rehab his injured pitching arm.

Eric Gagne, lad

It's possible that Gagne may be headed back to the disabled list. Dodgers manager Jim Tracy said that Gagne aggravated his pitching elbow, the same elbow that landed him on the disabled list following spring training. Tracy also went on to say that "in all likelihood," Gagne will make a return trip to the DL so he has time to rehab his injured pitching arm.

6/9/2005

Kenny Lofton, lad

Lofton had two more hits Wednesday in Philadelphia's 2-0 victory over Texas. The Phillies' center fielder has hit safely in five straight games with four multihit performances. In those five games, he is 12-for-21 (.571) with two triples and eight runs scored.

Brad Penny, lad

Penny agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Dodgers on Wednesday. According to the Los Angeles Times, the agreement is worth between $26 and $33 million.

6/8/2005

Kenny Lofton, lad

Lofton notched his third three-hit performance in his last four games, going 3-for-5 with a run scored in Tuesday's victory over the Texas Rangers. Over that span, the Phillies' veteran outfielder is 10-for-18 (.556) with two triples, four RBI, seven runs scored and a stolen base.

Ramon E. Martinez, lad

The Detroit Tigers have traded Martinez and veteran reliever Ugueth Urbina to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for infielder Placido Polanco. Martinez has appeared in just 19 games so far this season, batting .268 with five RBI.

Jason Grabowski, lad

After missing nearly three weeks with a sore right shoulder -- a problem that has plagued him most of the season -- Grabowski has been activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Los Angeles Dodgers. The outfielder takes the roster spot of Ricky Ledee, who is sidelined with a strained hamstring.

6/7/2005

Wilson Alvarez, lad

Retroactive to May 31, Alvarez has been placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Los Angeles Dodgers, due to tendinitis in his pitching shoulder. The same ailment forced the veteran lefthander to miss nearly a month earlier this season and now will keep him sidelined for at least another couple of weeks. Filling his roster spot will be 23-year-old righthander Franquelis Osoria.

Franquelis Osoria, lad

Osoria has been recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas by the Los Angeles Dodgers, replacing injured lefthander Wilson Alvarez in the bullpen. In 27 relief appearances with the minor league club this season, the 23-year-old righthander is 1-1 with a 2.52 ERA and seven saves.

6/6/2005

Jeff Kent, lad

Kent led the Dodgers to a 10-6 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday, going a perfect 4-for-4 with two doubles, four RBI, walk and one run scored. The veteran second baseman also extended his current hitting streak to four games. Over that span, he is 10-for-15 (.667) with three doubles, two home runs and six RBI.

Lance Carter, lad

After his hearing with MLB administrator John McHale, Carter's suspension for his role in the late-April beanball fiasco between Boston and Tampa Bay was reduced from five games to three games. The Rays' reliever will begin serving his suspension on Tuesday, when his team plays the Reds in Cincinnati.

Jayson Werth, lad

Werth turned in his best performance of the season in Sunday's victory over the Milwaukee Brewers, boosting his average by nearly 70 points and finishing just a home run shy of hitting for the cycle. The Dodgers' outfielder, who returned from a broken left wrist about two weeks ago, went 4-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored.

6/5/2005

Jason Repko, lad

Repko has been recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas by the Los Angeles Dodgers, filling the roster spot of fellow outfielder Milton Bradley, who will be sidelined indefinitely with a slight ligament tear in his right ring finger. In 36 games with the Dodgers this season, Repko is batting .217 with four home runs, nine RBI and two stolen bases.

6/3/2005

Wilson Alvarez, lad

Primarily due to shoulder tendinitis -- but also because of a lack of effectiveness -- Alvarez will not take the mound against the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday, as had been scheduled. The lefthander has been starting in Odalis Perez' absence, but D.J. Houlton will get the nod this weekend instead. Alvarez will be used in relief whenever his shoulder will allow.

J.D. Drew, lad

Drew went deep twice in Thursday's victory over the Milwaukee Brewers, notching the eighth multihomer game of his major league career. The Dodgers' outfielder now has four home runs in 31 career at-bats against Milwaukee ace Ben Sheets.

D.J. Houlton, lad

Houlton will make the first start of his major league career in Saturday's matchup with the Milwaukee Brewers. Veteran Wilson Alvarez had been slated to take the mound, but was scratched due to shoulder tendinitis and struggles in his last two outings. In 13 relief appearances this season, Houlton has posted a 7.41 ERA with 14 strikeouts and nine walks in 17 innings.

6/2/2005

Derek Lowe, lad

After allowing four runs in the second inning of Wednesday's meeting with the Chicago Cubs, Lowe tossed a stool in frustration when he returned to the Dodgers' dugout. In doing so, he suffered a minor cut on his right wrist and needed treatment from the team's training staff. Despite the injury, he was able to return to the game and is not expected to miss any time going forward.

Rafael Furcal, lad

Furcal was a late scratch from the Braves' lineup Wednesday night after reporting discomfort in his right shoulder. The injury is not considered serious, but manager Bobby Cox indicated that the shortstop likely will take Thursday off as well. Wilson Betemit will continue to fill the void in the lineup until Furcal is able to return to regular duty.

6/1/2005

Ramon E. Martinez, lad

With starting shortstop Carlos Guillen bothered by discomfort in his surgically repaired right knee, Martinez has been in the lineup as Detroit's shortstop lately. With Guillen sitting for all but one game over the last week, Martinez has gone 5-for-18 (.278) with a pair of RBI in five games. Guillen remains day-to-day.

5/31/2005

Pat Borders, lad

Borders started the year at Milwaukee's Triple-A Nashville affiliate, but life has changed quickly. The Brewers traded him to Seattle on May 19, and a day later he was with the big league club. After the Mariners sent struggling starting catcher Miguel Olivo to Triple-A Tacoma on Monday, the 42-year-old Borders becomes Seattle's starter.

5/30/2005

Rafael Furcal, lad

Furcal has been running wild recently, swiping nine stolen bases in his last eight contests. The Braves' shortstop also has put together a seven-game hit streak, improving his batting average to its current .232. Over that span, he is 10-for-28 with one double, two triples and six RBI.

5/29/2005

Derek Thompson, lad

Thompson was called up from the Dodgers' Double-A club in Jacksonville, and made his major league debut yesterday. Starting on the mound against the Diamondbacks, he went five innings, allowing two hits and two runs, while walking four and striking out four. He left with a 4-2 lead but came away without a decision when the D-Backs won 5-4 in the ninth.

5/27/2005

Eric Gagne, lad

Making his fifth relief appearance since returning from a a sprained left knee and sprained pitching elbow, Gagne notched his first save of the 2005 campaign, notching three outs in the ninth inning of Thursday's victory over the San Francisco Giants. The Dodgers' closer wasn't perfect, however, as he allowed two doubles and a run.

5/26/2005

Jeff Kent, lad

Kent's downward spiral continued in Wednesday's game against the San Francisco Giants, as he went 0-for-4 to extend his hitless streak to 20 at-bats. In April, the Dodgers' second baseman batted .333 with six home runs, 18 RBI and two stolen bases in 23 games, but this month, he has hit just .185 with two homers, 16 RBI and no steals.

Bill Mueller, lad

Mueller was in the Boston lineup Wednesday night, roughly 24 hours after he left in the ninth inning Tuesday, when he was hit on the left foot with a pitch. The Red Sox' third baseman said he felt good on Wednesday, much better than the injury looked. He went 1-for-2 with a walk in Boston's 6-1 loss to Toronto.

Jayson Werth, lad

After being activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier in the day, Werth made his 2005 debut in Wednesday night's meeting with the San Francisco Giants. The outfielder, who had been recovering from a broken left wrist, got the starting nod in left field and went 0-for-2 with a strikeout. Jason Repko was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas to make room on the roster for Werth.

Jason Repko, lad

The Los Angeles Dodgers have optioned Repko to Triple-A Las Vegas, opening a spot on the roster for fellow outfielder Jayson Werth, who was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday. Repko made his major league debut earlier this season and helped fill the void in left field during Werth's absence. In 34 games, he is batting .231 with four home runs, nine RBI and two stolen bases.

5/25/2005

Wilson Alvarez, lad

With Odalis Perez landing on the 15-day disabled list with a minor shoulder problem, Alvarez will step into the Dodgers' starting rotation, at least for the time being. The veteran lefthander will make his first start of the 2005 campaign in Wednesday's meeting with the San Francisco Giants. In eight relief appearances this season, Alvarez is 1-1 with a 0.84 ERA.

Bill Mueller, lad

Mueller left Boston's Tuesday night game against Toronto in the ninth, after being hit on the left foot by a pitch. X-rays were negative, and Mueller said he expected to play Wednesday against the Jays. The third baseman is hitting .293 with a .405 on-base percentage and 19 runs scored in 37 games for the Red Sox.

J.D. Drew, lad

Drew, who has been bothered by a sore right wrist recently, underwent a precautionary MRI on Monday to determine the cause of the discomfort. The Dodgers' outfielder has some fluid in the area, but the problem is not serious enough to keep him off the field. He plans to play through the pain.

5/23/2005

Aaron Sele, lad

On Sunday, Sele, who has struggled for most of the season and has been at risk to be dropped from the Seattle rotation, pitched his first shutout and complete game since June 2002. The 34-year-old righthander blanked San Diego on four hits for a 5-0 win. That's quite a turnaround for a pitcher who has walked more batters than he has fanned and had a 5.62 ERA going into Sunday's start. Sele dropped his ERA by a run on Sunday. He is 3-4 with a 4.62 ERA in nine starts.

Toby Hall, lad

Hall produced a disappointing 2004 season, when he neither hit for average nor showed signs of developing into the middle-of-the-order slugger the Tampa Bay Devil Rays had anticipated. At least the Rays' catcher hit for average this April, batting .322, but with only two extra-base hits in 19 games. The good news is, he has shown more power in May, hitting .339 with three doubles, four homers, 11 RBI and a .607 slugging mark in his first 15 games this month.

Mark Hendrickson, lad

Although Hendrickson had to leave his Saturday outing in Miami with a leg cramp in his left calf, the Tampa Bay righthander is on scheduled to make his next start against Seattle on Friday. The humid conditions and heat probably led to Hendrickson's early departure, and leaving the game after six innings also eliminated the risk of a more serious injury.

5/20/2005

Kenny Lofton, lad

The Phillies have activated Lofton from the disabled list on Friday. The team designated utilityman Jose Offerman for assignment to make room on the roster for the former All-Star. Lofton has been out of the lineup since April 30 when he strained his right hamstring. Before going down, the veteran was batting .373 with one home run and four RBI.

Jose Cruz, lad

Cruz wasn't in the Arizona lineup on Thursday after suffering a strained right hip flexor in Wednesday's game against Houston. The Diamondbacks' center fielder apparently felt good enough to play on Friday, as he is penciled into the batting order for Arizona's game in Detroit. He is batting .302 with four dingers and 11 RBI in 14 games this season.

Jose Cruz, lad

After sitting out Thursday's game with a strained right hip flexor, Cruz was back in Arizona's lineup on Friday.

5/19/2005

Pat Borders, lad

The Milwaukee Brewers have traded Borders to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for cash considerations. The 42-year-old catcher is expected to serve as a backup to starter Miguel Olivo while Wiki Gonzalez recovers from a hamstring injury. After signing a minor league deal with the Brewers in November, Borders has spent the season with Triple-A Nashville, batting .245 with three homers and 14 RBI in 26 games.

Rafael Furcal, lad

Despite his continued struggles at the plate, Furcal has remained at the top of the Braves' batting order all season. The shortstop, who has a career .343 on-base percentage, has posted a dismal .267 OBP through 40 games this season. Over the past couple of weeks, he has just six hits in his last 46 at-bats (.130), and has seen his 2005 batting average drop from .256 to .222.

5/18/2005

Kenny Lofton, lad

Lofton was expected to return to action on Tuesday, but the Phillies decided to give him another day or two as a precautionary measure. The veteran outfielder, who has been sidelined for more than two weeks with tendinitis in his right hamstring, should reclaim the starting duties in center field, but might be forced to split time with Jason Michaels and the recently acquired Endy Chavez as well.

Lofton could be activated as early as Wednesday. Prior to landing on the DL, Lofton was batting .373 with one home run, four RBI and one stolen base in 18 games this season.

Jason Grabowski, lad

Grabowski has been battling a right shoulder injury the bulk of the 2005 campaign, so the Los Angeles Dodgers have decided to place the outfielder on the 15-day disabled list to give him some time to fully recover. Filling the void on the roster will be infielder Antonio Perez, who was activated from the DL on Wednesday.

5/16/2005

Kenny Lofton, lad

Barring any setbacks, Lofton will be activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Philadelphia Phillies in time for Tuesday's meeting with the St. Louis Cardinals. The veteran outfielder, who has been sidelined for more than two weeks with tendinitis in his right hamstring, should reclaim the starting duties in center field, but might be forced to split time with Jason Michaels and the recently acquired Endy Chavez as well.

Prior to landing on the DL, Lofton was batting .373 with one home run, four RBI and one stolen base in 18 games this season. The Phillies have not indicated who might be sent down or put on the shelf to make room on the roster for Lofton.

5/15/2005

Yhency Brazoban, lad

Although he earned his 11th save of the season on Friday night, Brazoban will most likely be put back into the setup role. With regular closer Eric Gagne returning from injury, Brazoban should become the team's eighth-inning setup man.

Brazoban had saved 10 straight games, but with Gagne back, he'll lose most of his fantasy value.

5/14/2005

Aaron Sele, lad

Sele, who has been roughed up in his last two starts, may skip his next turn in the Seattle rotation. The Mariners have two open dates in the next 11 days, which will allow them to bypass the struggling righthander.

Eric Gagne, lad

Gagne will be activated from the disabled list on Saturday. Because he is appealing a two-game suspension received while on the DL, Gagne will be available to pitch immediately.

5/13/2005

Jose Cruz, lad

Cruz notched the 12th multihomer game of his major league career, belting two solo shots in Thursday's victory over the Colorado Rockies. Since returning earlier this week after a stint on the disabled list, the Diamondbacks' outfielder has gone 4-for-9 with a double, two home runs, two RBI and four walks.

Cruz missed a month of action with a strained lower back, but now healthy, he should get the majority of the starts in center field for Arizona going forward.

5/11/2005

Greg Maddux, lad

Maddux dominated the New York Mets on Tuesday, fanning 10 batters over 6.2 innings of work and notching his first double-digit strikeout performance in nearly two years. The Cubs' veteran righthander scattered three hits, walked three and did not allow a run before departing in the seventh.

In seven starts this season, Maddux has a 2-1 record and 3.80 ERA. He's struck out 31 batters and walked just 10 in 42.2 innings, but also has surrendered six home runs.

Aaron Sele, lad

Sele secured a rotation spot this spring, but his security in Seattle is not certain after the righthander was roughed up for a second straight time on Tuesday. The Yankees jumped on Sele for eight hits and seven runs in 2.2 innings in a 7-4 Seattle loss.

Sele has had a rough time in three of his last five starts, and in seven starts, he's 2-4 with a 6.31 ERA. He has walked 18 and fanned 15 in 35.2 innings, and batters are hitting .312 against him. It's conceivable one of Seattle's promising pitching prospects will displace Sele at some point this season.

5/10/2005

Jose Cruz, lad

Cruz was expected to spend a couple more days on a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Tucson, but he was activated from the 15-day disabled list in time to start Monday's matchup with the Washington Nationals. The Diamondbacks' center fielder, who missed exactly a month with a strained lower back, went 1-for-1 with four walks in his return. Infielder Matt Kata was optioned to Tucson to open a spot on the roster for Cruz.

As long as he can stay healthy, Cruz should see the majority of the starts in center for Arizona. For the year, he is batting .333 with two home runs and seven RBI.

Brett Tomko, lad

Tomko and the Pirates' Mark Redman were locked into a pitchers duel on Monday, both going the distance in the Giants' 2-1 victory. Tomko recorded the win, allowing just one run on six hits over nine innings of work. The righthander, who struck out seven batters and walked one, has two complete games in his last three starts.

For the season, Tomko is 3-4 with a 4.15 ERA in seven outings. He now has 11 complete games in his major league career.

J.D. Drew, lad

Drew has been sidelined since Saturday, battling a nasty stomach virus. The outfielder, who was replaced in the Dodgers' lineup by Jason Repko, continues to be listed as day-to-day. He should be back in action on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Drew got off to a horrendous start this season, but has performed better of late. For the year, he is batting .273 with five home runs, 13 RBI and one stolen base in 28 games.

Toby Hall, lad

After going 1-for-4 in Tampa Bay's win over the Chicago White Sox on Monday, Hall has a 10-game hitting streak. In those 10 games, the Rays' catcher is batting .417 (15-for-36) with five doubles, a homer and three RBI.

For the season, Hall is hitting .329 with a homer and four RBI in 26 games.

5/9/2005

Jose Cruz, lad

Cruz returned to the field on Sunday, playing five innings in a game with Triple-A Tucson as part of his rehab assignment. The Diamondbacks' outfielder, who is recovering from a strained lower back, should spend at least a couple more days with the minor league club, but hopes to be activated from the disabled list by the end of the week. Prior to the injury, Cruz was batting .294 with two home runs and seven RBI in five games.

Cruz should step back into the Diamondbacks' starting lineup eventually, but the team might choose to ease him back into the role, giving him a chance to regain his timing. Quinton McCracken and Luis Terrero have been filling in during his absence.

Eric Gagne, lad

Gagne needed just 13 pitches to get through his one inning of work with Triple-A Las Vegas on Sunday, as he retired the side with three consecutive strikeouts. The Dodgers' closer, who has been sidelined all season with a sprained left knee and sprained pitching elbow, said he is now pain-free. The team would like to see him pitch on consecutive days before activating him from the 15-day disabled list.

Barring any setbacks, expect Gagne to be ready to go within the next week. Once he is activated, Gagne will be forced to sit out two games while serving a suspension. Until that time, Yhency Brazoban will continue to handle most save situations for Los Angeles. Gagne was 7-3 with 45 saves and a 2.19 ERA in 70 games last season, one year after claiming the National League Cy Young Award.

Norihiro Nakamura, lad

Nakamura has been designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers. The third baseman, hos spent the last 13 years in the Japanese Pacific League, has struggled in his first year in the majors, batting just .128 with three RBI in 17 games. He will be replaced on the roster by infielder Oscar Robles.

The Dodgers have 10 days to trade Nakamura, release him or send him outright to the minor leagues. With Jose Valentin sidelined indefinitely, the team will look to Mike Edwards, Olmedo Saenz and Robles to fill the void at the hot corner.

Oscar Robles, lad

The Los Angeles Dodgers have purchased Robles' contract from the Mexico City Red Devils. The infielder, who was batting .388 with four home runs and 20 RBI in 29 games with Mexico City, was one of the last players cut by the Dodgers in spring training. He takes the roster spot of the struggling Norihiro Nakamura.

Robles will serve as a backup at second, third and shortstop with the Dodgers. In spring training, he batted .438 with one home run and two RBI in 19 games.

5/7/2005

Nomar Garciaparra, lad

When doctors operated on Garciappara's torn left groin, they discovered that the shortstop also had a badly torn abdominal muscle. As a result, the shortstop is expected to be sidelined for four weeks, rather than the two weeks earlier projected.

Nomar Garciaparra, lad

When doctors operated on Garciaparra's torn left groin, they discovered that the Cubs' shortstop also had a badly torn abdominal muscle. As a result, Garciaparra is expected to be sidelined for four weeks before he can start rehabbing his groin injury, rather than the two weeks earlier projected.

Eric Gagne, lad

Gagne is scheduled to begin a rehabilitation assignment at Triple-A Las Vegas on Sunday. The Dodgers' reliever threw approximately 30 pitches to batters before Friday's game and looked "filthy," according to Dodgers manager Jim Tracy.

5/6/2005

Nomar Garciaparra, lad

Garciaparra has rejoined the Chicago Cubs after undergoing surgery last week to repair damage in his torn left groin. The shortstop, who suffered the injury as he was coming out of the batter's box in a game against the St. Louis Cardinals last month, was expected to begin rehabilitation in about two weeks, but reportedly, he will rest until early June before starting a strengthening program. He is optimistic that he'll return before the end of the season.

During the procedure, doctors discovered more damage in Garciaparra's groin than originally anticipated. However, he won't need any more time to recover. In 14 games this year, Nomar is batting just .157 with one double, four RBI and no home runs. Neifi Perez will continue to get the majority of the starts at shortstop in his absence.

5/3/2005

Wilson Alvarez, lad

The Dodgers have activated Alvarez from the 15-day disabled list, and he will be in the team's bullpen for Tuesday's game against the Washington Nationals. The lefthander has been working his way back slowly after developing tendinitis in his pitching shoulder during spring training. Buddy Carlyle was optioned to the minors to open a spot on the roster.

Somewhere down the line, if Scott Erickson's struggles continue, Alvarez could claim a spot in the starting rotation. But for the time being, he will be used in a variety of relief roles, according to manager Jim Tracy. Alvarez was 7-6 with a 4.03 ERA and one save in 40 appearances last season, including 15 starts.

Kenny Lofton, lad

The Phillies have placed outfielder Kenny Lofton on the 15-day disabled list with tendinitis in his right hamstring. The team has decided to be cautious with Lofton's tender hamstring, which originally was thought to be just strained. Marlon Byrd has been called up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to take Lofton's place on the roster.

Jason Michaels should be the starting center fielder while Lofton is on the shelf.

Kenny Lofton, lad

The Phillies have placed outfielder Kenny Lofton on the 15-day disabled list with tendinitis in his right hamstring. Originally thought to be just a strain, the Phillies have decided to take precaution with Lofton's tender hamstring. Marlon Byrd has been called up from Triple-A Scranton to take Lofton's place on the roster.

5/2/2005

Kenny Lofton, lad

Tests on Lofton's right hamstring confirmed the original diagnosis of a strain, and the Phillies do not expect him to miss an extended period. The veteran outfielder, who suffered the injury trying to track down a double off the bat of Miguel Cabrera in Friday's meeting with the Florida Marlins, is listed as day-to-day.

Until Lofton is able to return, Jason Michaels is expected to get the nod in center field for Philadelphia. For the season, Lofton is batting .373 with one home run, four RBI and one stolen base.

Darren Dreifort, lad

Dreifort remains on the Dodgers' disabled list, as he continues to recover from four offseason surgeries. The veteran righthander, who underwent shoulder surgery following procedures on his right hip and both knees, likely won't pitch this season and could be done for his career, according to Los Angeles manager Jim Tracy.

Dreifort is in the last year of a five-year, $55 million contract. He's appeared in just 86 games, including 20 starts, since signing with the Dodgers prior to the 2001 campaign.

4/30/2005

Kenny Lofton, lad

Lofton left Friday's loss to the Florida Marlins with an injured right hamstring. The Phillies' outfielder was injured when trying to track down a double off the bat of Miguel Cabrera.

If Lofton is out for any length of time, the Phillies could recall Marlon Byrd from the minors.

Mark Hendrickson, lad

Hendrickson started Saturday's game against the Baltimore Orioles after being removed from the 15-day disabled list. The pitcher, who went on the 15-day disabled list with stiffness in his left shoulder, did not get a decision in the 7-5 loss, going 5.0 innings and allowing two runs on six hits.

Seth McClung was optioned to the minors to open a spot on the roster for Hendrickson.

4/29/2005

Wilson Alvarez, lad

Alvarez, who has been working his way back slowly after developing tendinitis in his pitching shoulder during spring training, could be activated from the 15-day disabled list as early as this weekend. The veteran righthander reported no problems after throwing 57 pitches in a minor league rehab start with Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday. He allowed just one hit, struck out three batters and walked none in 4.2 innings of work.

Somewhere down the line, if Scott Erickson's struggles continue, Alvarez could claim a spot in the starting rotation. But for the time being, he will be used in long relief. Alvarez was 7-6 with a 4.03 ERA and one save in 40 appearances last season, including 15 starts.

Ramon E. Martinez, lad

The Detroit Tigers activated Martinez from the disabled list on Thursday. The utility infielder is returning from a thumb injury that sidelined him for most of three weeks. He went 11-for-15 during a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo, including a 6-for-6 performance in which he collected six singles. The 32-year-old veteran is 0-for-1 with the Tigers this season.

The Tigers optioned righthander Andrew Good to Toledo to make room for Martinez on the 25-man roster.

Eric Gagne, lad

Gagne will have to wait a little longer to make his 2005 regular-season debut. The Dodgers' closer, who currently is on the 15-day disabled list while recovering from a strained pitching elbow, has been suspended for two games and fined an undisclosed amount for breaking a league rule concerning players taking part in game activities while on the DL. He was ejected from an April 6 game against the Giants for heckling home plate umpire Bill Hohn from the dugout.

Gagne will serve the penalty once he is activated from the DL. He is scheduled to pitch back-to-back bullpen sessions over the weekend, and if all goes well, he could be sent on a minor league rehab assignment shortly there after. However, he still needs to build up some arm strength, so another couple of weeks on the DL might be necessary. Yhency Brazoban will continue to handle most save situations for Los Angeles in Gagne's absence.

Lance Carter, lad

Carter was suspended for five games on Friday for his role in the bench-clearing incident between Tampa Bay and Boston last weekend. The Rays' reliever nearly beaned Manny Ramirez before the Boston star homered in the seventh inning of last Sunday's contest. Then, Carter almost hit Ortiz in the head, causing both benches to clear.

All four players who were issued suspensions were fined an undisclosed amount of money as well. The suspensions are to begin on Friday, but the players can file an appeal, which would allow them to continue playing until their appeal has been heard.

4/28/2005

Ramon E. Martinez, lad

In his first minor league game Tuesday as part of his rehab for a thumb injury, Martinez went 6-for-6 as Detroit's Triple-A Toledo affiliate defeated Louisville, 14-1. The middle infielder singled in the first, third, fourth, sixth, eighth and ninth innings.

The 32-year-old Martinez had just one at-bat with the Tigers this season before going on the 15-day disabled list on April 9. Detroit manager Alan Trammell does not expect the rehab stint to last very long. Martinez could rejoin the Tigers by this weekend.

J.D. Drew, lad

After failing to record a hit in his first 25 at-bats of the 2005 campaign, Drew is starting to find his groove at the plate. Since his early season troubles, the Dodgers' outfielder is 20-for-51, including a 3-for-4, two-RBI performance in Wednesday's loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Drew has hit nearly .290 over the course of his career, so he was bound to get on track at some point. In 20 games this year, he is batting .263 with three home runs, eight RBI and one stolen base. As long as Drew can avoid the injury bug, he should turn in a solid season. However, playing in pitcher-friendly Dodger Stadium might prevent him from posting totals as impressive as in 2004.

Eric Gagne, lad

Gagne, who continues to expand his workouts as he recovers from a sprained pitching elbow, made 40 pain-free pitches on flat ground on Wednesday. Barring any setbacks, the closer is slated to have back-to-back bullpen sessions over the weekend. The Dodgers won't rush Gagne, and he'll likely be sent on a minor league rehab assignment before being activated from the disabled list. As a result, don't expect him to be in the Dodgers' bullpen for another couple of weeks.

Yhency Brazoban will handle most save situations for Los Angeles in Gagne's absence. Gagne was 7-3 with 45 saves and a 2.19 ERA in 70 games last season, one year after claiming the National League Cy Young Award.

4/26/2005

Kenny Lofton, lad

Lofton continues to be hampered by some minor discomfort in both of his hamstrings, and he was held out of the Phillies' starting lineup for Monday's game against the Washington Nationals as a result. He came in as a defensive replacement late in the contest, but did not record an at-bat. The Phillies have listed the veteran outfielder as day-to-day. He is batting .364 with one homer, four RBI and a stolen base in 14 games this season.

With Pat Burrell also sidelined, Jason Michaels and Placido Polanco filled the two openings in the Phillies' outfield. Lofton is expected to get another day or two off as a precautionary measure, but should return to regular action Wednesday or Friday. Philadelphia is off on Thursday.

Bill Mueller, lad

Mueller and the Boston Red Sox decided to keep the third baseman on the sidelines for one more day, scratching him from the lineup card for Monday's loss to Baltimore. Mueller has been battling the flu and a sinus infection, and he hopes to feel well enough to play on Tuesday.

Mueller appeared as a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning of Monday's loss, but struck out swinging. He is batting .234 with three doubles, two RBI and no home runs in 15 games.

Nomar Garciaparra, lad

Garciaparra will travel to Philadelphia to undergo surgery on his torn left groin on Wednesday. The Cubs' shortstop, who suffered the injury as he was coming out of the batter's box in a game against the St. Louis Cardinals last week, will be completely shut down for two weeks before beginning a lengthy rehabilitation program. Neifi Perez will continue to receive most of the starts at short in Garciaparra's absence.

The Cubs do not have a time table for Garciaparra's return, but shortly after the five-time All-Star was injured, initial estimates had him missing 2-3 months regardless whether he went under the knife or let the groin heal on its own. Don't expect him back until at least mid-season. In 14 games this year, Nomar is batting just .157 with one double, four RBI and no home runs.

Eric Gagne, lad

According to Dodgers trainer Stan Johnston, Gagne was pain-free after throwing off a mound for the first time in nearly a month on Monday. The closer, who has been sidelined with a sprained right elbow, will continue to expand his workouts as long as no problems are reported. Despite the progress, an exact timetable for Gagne's return still has not been set.

Gagne, who won't be rushed back into action, likely will be sent on a minor league rehab assignment before being activated from the disabled list, so don't expect him to be in the Dodgers' bullpen for another couple of weeks. Yhency Brazoban will handle most save situations for Los Angeles in Gagne's absence. Gagne was 7-3 with 45 saves and a 2.19 ERA in 70 games last season, one year after claiming the National League Cy Young Award.

Rafael Furcal, lad

The Atlanta Braves hope Furcal's performance in Monday's game against the New York Mets is a sign of things to come. The shortstop, who has been mired in a slump to start the season, went 3-for-4 with a double, run scored and three stolen bases, boosting his batting average to .235.

Furcal has been inconsistent over the first few weeks of the 2005 campaign, with his batting average hovering around .200. In 20 games, he has an on-base percentage of just .275 with three homers, seven RBI, seven stolen bases and 10 runs scored.

Jayson Werth, lad

Werth has resumed taking batting practice with the Dodgers, and on Monday, he said he hopes to join the 25-man roster within the next couple of weeks. The outfielder, who has been sidelined all season with a broken left wrist, will head to Florida by the end of the week to take part in some extended spring training games. Barring any setbacks, he'll then go on a minor league rehab assignment before being activated from the 15-day disabled list.

It will be mid-May before Werth is roaming the Dodgers' outfield. Jason Repko will continue to get the majority of the starts in left during Werth's absence, with Ricky Ledee and Jason Grabowski seeing some time there as well. In 89 games last season, Werth batted .262 with 16 home runs, 47 RBI and four stolen bases.

4/25/2005

Bill Mueller, lad

Mueller has nearly recovered from his bout with the flu and a sinus infection, and he should be back in the Red Sox' lineup for Monday's matchup with the Baltimore Orioles. The third baseman, who could have played on Sunday, but decided to give it another day, has been sidelined since last Wednesday.

Mueller has struggled so far this season, batting .239 with three doubles, two RBI and no home runs in 14 games.

Elmer Dessens, lad

Dessens, who left last Tuesday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers after experiencing muscle spasms behind his rotator cuff, has been diagnosed with a bone spur in his pitching shoulder. Although the injury is not considered serious, the Dodgers have placed the righthander on the 15-day disabled list, opening a spot on the roster for starter Brad Penny. He will be re-evaluated over the coming days to determine how much time he might miss.

Dessens had been filling Penny's rotation spot over the first couple weeks of the season. In two starts, he allowed four runs on six hits over nine innings, striking out one and walking four. Upon his return, Dessens likely will pitch in long relief.

Brad Penny, lad

As anticipated, Penny was activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Los Angeles Dodgers in time to take the mound against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday. The righthander, who has been recovering from a nerve problem in his right biceps, went five innings in his season debut, allowing four runs on six hits, including a two-run homer. He struck out four and did not walk a batter. Elmer Dessens was placed on the DL to open a spot on the roster for Penny.

Penny, who was limited to 81 pitches as a precautionary measure, reported no problems with his arm and expects to be ready for his next outing. In 24 total starts last season -- split between Florida and LA -- he was 9-10 with a 3.15 ERA.

4/22/2005

Bill Mueller, lad

Mueller sat out Boston's win on Thursday with a sinus infection. The Red Sox' third baseman sat out a game earlier in the week, for what was reported as flu-like symptoms, so it's likely the two days off were for the same reason.

Perhaps the time off is good for Mueller, who has struggled in the early going. He is hitting just .239 with no homers and two RBI, though he has managed to score nine runs in 14 games.

4/21/2005

Elmer Dessens, lad

Tests on Dessens' pitching shoulder were negative, and he is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Friday to see how his arm feels. The Dodgers' righthander left Tuesday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers after experiencing muscle spasms behind his rotator cuff, but blamed the problem on sleeping wrong and waking up with stiffness in his neck. The ailment is not considered serious, and for now, he has been listed as day-to-day.

Dessens has been filling a spot in the Dodgers' rotation over the first couple weeks of the 2005 campaign, but with Brad Penny scheduled to return to action on Sunday, he'll now move to a long-relief role. In two starts, he allowed four runs on six hits over nine innings, striking out one and walking four.

Nomar Garciaparra, lad

Garciaparra had to be carried off the field after injuring his left groin as he was coming out of the batter's box in Wednesday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Initial X-rays were inconclusive, and the Cubs' shortstop is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Thursday to determine the extent of the injury. Reportedly, he will miss a minimum of six weeks if the groin is strained or pulled, but could be forced to have season-ending surgery if there is a tendon tear.

Obviously, not good news for the Cubs or Garciaparra, who has gotten off to a slow start this season. He will be placed on the 15-day disabled list, and Neifi Perez will take over as the Cubs' everyday shortstop. With Todd Walker still sidelined, Jerry Hairston will handle the second-base duties. In 14 games this season, Nomar is batting just .157 with one double, four RBI and no home runs.

Nomar Garciaparra, lad

An MRI has revealed that the muscle in Garciaparra's left groin has pulled away from the bone, an injury suffered as he was coming out of the batter's box in Wednesday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cubs' shortstop could choose to rehab and let the injury heal on its own, or he could undergo surgery -- a final decision will be made in the coming days. Regardless, the team does not expect Garciaparra to return to action for at least two months.

Garciaparra has been placed on the 15-day disabled list, as expected, while Ronny Cedeno was recalled from Triple-A Iowa to fill the roster spot. Neifi Perez will take over as the Cubs' everyday shortstop, and Jerry Hairston will handle the second-base duties, considering Todd Walker is still sidelined as well. In 14 games this season, Nomar is batting just .157 with one double, four RBI and no home runs.

Derek Lowe, lad

Lowe has not allowed an earned run since leaving his April 10 start against the Arizona Diamondbacks after taking a liner off his pitching arm in the fifth inning. The Dodgers' righthander, who suffered a bruised triceps muscle, tossed a three-hit shutout against the Padres late last week, then scattered five hits and allowed just one unearned run over eight innings while facing San Diego on Wednesday.

Lowe did not figure into the decision in Wednesday's extra-inning victory. For the season, he is 1-1 with a 1.27 ERA in four starts, with 17 strikeouts and eight walks in 28.1 innings.

Brad Penny, lad

The Los Angeles Dodgers will activate Penny from the 15-day disabled list in time to take the mound against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday. The righthander, who is recovering from a nerve problem in his right biceps, allowed two runs on five hits over six innings of work in his final minor league rehab start with Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday, throwing 59 of his 79 pitches for strikes. Elmer Dessens will be moved to long relief to open a spot in the rotation for Penny.

As a precautionary measure, the Dodgers plan to limit Penny to 85 or fewer pitches in Sunday's outing. In 24 total starts last season -- split between Florida and LA -- he was 9-10 with a 3.15 ERA.

Mark Hendrickson, lad

Hendrickson, on the 15-day disabled list with shoulder inflammation, is scheduled to throw Friday and Tuesday. If he is able to stay on a throwing schedule and ditch the discomfort, Hendrickson will be eligible to come off the DL and pitch April 29 in Baltimore.

4/20/2005

Chris Truby, lad

Truby, the Royals' other third baseman, played five innings in an extended spring training game Monday in Arizona. He has been out since the early days of spring camp because of a chipped bone in his left wrist. He could join the Royals' rookie third sacker Mark Teahen in a minor league rehab assignment at Triple-A Omaha next week. Teahen is out with a back ailment.

Mark Hendrickson, lad

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays have placed Hendrickson on the 15-day disbled list for the shoulder stiffness that has bothered him and forced him to be scratched from a Yankee Stadium start to open the week. Hendrickson said his sore shoulder felt "significantly" better after he played catch Tuesday, but the Rays chose a cautious approach by putting him on the disabled list. The move is retroactive to Thursday, meaning Hendrickson will be eligible to pitch April 29 in Baltimore.

John Webb has been recalled to take Hendrickson's place on the Rays' roster, and the rookie will start on Wednesday against Texas at Tropicana Field.

4/19/2005

Elmer Dessens, lad

Dessens was forced to leave Tuesday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers after experiencing muscle spasms in the back of his pitching shoulder during the fourth inning. The Dodgers' righthander allowed two runs on two hits and three walks in 3.1 innings prior to his departure. Buddy Carlyle took over for Los Angeles. Dessens will be re-evaluated on Wednesday, but for now, consider him as day-to-day.

As long as Dessens' shoulder problem does not land him on the disabled list, he'll likely move to a long-relief role going forward, opening a spot in the rotation for Brad Penny, who is expected to be activated as early as this weekend.

Nomar Garciaparra, lad

Although a slow start to the season also could be blamed, the primary reason for Garciaparra's absence from the Chicago Cubs' lineup on Monday was due to a battle with allergies, according to manager Dusty Baker. The veteran shortstop, who was replaced by Neifi Perez, is expected to return to action on Tuesday.

After killing the ball in spring training, Garciaparra has cooled off considerably since the beginning of the regular season. Through 12 games, he is batting just .182 with one double, four RBI and no home runs. A .320 career hitter, expect Garciaparra to find his stroke sooner rather than later.

Brad Penny, lad

After a pain-free minor league rehab start with Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday, Penny could be activated from the disabled list in time to take the mound against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday, according to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The righthander, who is recovering from a nerve problem in his right biceps, allowed two runs on five hits over six innings of work in Monday's outing, throwing 59 of his 79 pitches for strikes.

When Penny returns, Elmer Dessens likely will be moved to the Dodgers' bullpen. In 24 total starts last season -- split between Florida and LA -- Penny was 9-10 with a 3.15 ERA.

Eric Gagne, lad

Gagne has resumed playing catch, as he begins a throwing program to rehab and strengthen his pitching arm. The Dodgers' closer reported no problems with his sprained right elbow after throwing from 60 feet on flat ground prior to Tuesday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Despite the progress, a timetable for Gagne's return still has not been set. Yhency Brazoban will handle most save situations for Los Angeles in Gagne's absence.

Gagne is slated to throw again on Wednesday, if he wakes up with no lingering soreness or inflammation. The Dodgers will be very cautious and do not plan to rush him back into the bullpen, so expect at least another 2-3 weeks of recovery time. The 29-year-old was 7-3 with 45 saves and a 2.19 ERA in 70 games last season, one year after claiming the National League Cy Young Award.

Mark Hendrickson, lad

Hendrickson, who had his scheduled start pushed back from Monday to Tuesday because of shoulder stiffness, now has been scratched from Tuesday's Tampa Bay game at Yankee Stadium. All that is known about Hendrickson's status at this time is that he won't pitch this week.

Look for an update as to what steps the Rays will take in handling the lefthander's shoulder stiffness. As for Tuesday, the Rays are leaning toward calling on Hideo Nomo to move up a day. Casey Fossum and Doug Waechter look like the favorites to make the spot start on Wednesday for Tampa Bay.

4/18/2005

Greg Maddux, lad

Although he failed to figure into the decision, Maddux got back on track in Sunday's win over the Pittsburgh, pitching six strong innings and holding the Pirates to two runs on five hits. The Cubs' veteran righthander struggled through his first two outings of the 2005 campaign, allowing nine runs -- eight earned -- in 10 innings.

Maddux has 16 or more wins in 17 consecutive seasons, so reaching double-digit victories in 2005 is nearly a given. However, recent numbers indicate he might not be quite as sharp as in the past. With a 2.96 ERA for his career, the 39-year-old Maddux has hovered around a 4.00 ERA the past couple of years.

Jayson Werth, lad

Werth's rehab work for the broken bone in his left wrist has stalled, reportedly because of the scar tissue that has been causing him discomfort and has kept him from swinging a bat. The 25-year-old outfielder is now with the Dodgers, but he's no closer to rejoining the team that he was a few weeks ago. He'll stay with the team until he makes enough progress that he can start a minor league rehab assignment.

There's no timetable on how long Werth will be out. It's another frustrating start for Werth, who missed most of the first two months of 2004 with an oblique strain.

Mark Hendrickson, lad

Bothered by shoulder stiffness, Hendrickson may not be able to make his Tuesday start for Tampa Bay. The 30-year-old lefthander was scheduled to start Monday against the Yankees, but was pushed back a day to give him an extra day of rest. Rob Bell is working the Monday start at Yankee Stadium on three days' rest.

If Hendrickson can't go on Tuesday, the Rays will have to get a spot start from Casey Fossum or Doug Waechter. Fossum last pitched on Friday, working four scoreless innings in relief against Boston. Waechter worked three scoreless innings against the Red Sox on Sunday. Fossum may be the guy for Tuesday's start.

4/16/2005

Greg Maddux, lad

Maddux' next start has been pushed back one day, from Saturday, April 16, to Sunday. The move was made simply to give the veteran pitcher an extra day of rest.

Ryan Dempster will make the Saturday start for the Cubs.

J.D. Drew, lad

Drew went 0-for-3 against San Diego on Friday. In 35 at-bats this season, the outfielder has yet to drive in any runs and is batting just .114. This after Drew signed a big free-agent contract with the Dodgers in the offseason, after hitting .305 with 31 home runs and 93 RBI for Atlanta in 2004.

4/15/2005

Derek Lowe, lad

Lowe, who was knocked out of Sunday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks after taking a liner off his pitching arm in the fifth inning, still has some minor soreness in his bruised triceps, but the injury will not prevent him from taking the mound against the San Diego Padres on Friday, as scheduled. He's made it through a couple of bullpen sessions unscathed over the past few days and should be good to go.

Lowe hasn't pitched terribly, but he has yet to notch his first win with his new club. In two starts this season, he has allowed four earned runs on 12 hits in 11.1 innings, striking out nine and walking three.

4/14/2005

Brad Penny, lad

As scheduled, Penny took the mound for Class-A Vero Beach on Wednesday, making his first game appearance since suffering a nerve injury in his biceps late last season. The Dodgers' righthander threw 58 pitches in the contest, allowing one run on two hits over five innings. He struck out three and walked one. According to manager Jim Tracy, Penny will make at least one more start in the minors, but he could join the Dodgers' rotation as early as April 24.

Penny, whose fastball topped out at 96 mph on Wednesday, reported no problems with his arm, but he still needs to build up strength and stamina before joining the major league club. In 24 total starts last season -- split between Florida and LA -- he was 9-10 with a 3.15 ERA.

Eric Gagne, lad

Other than some minor stiffness in his strained elbow, Gagne is reporting no other problems with his pitching arm. As a result, the Dodgers' closer is optimistic that he will be cleared to resume throwing within the next couple of days. He will begin his throwing program by playing catch on flat ground and will slowly work his way back to the mound. Yhency Brazoban is slated to handle most save situations for Los Angeles in Gagne's absence.

Gagne has recovered from his sprained left knee, an injury suffered early in spring training, but the arm issues likely will keep him sidelined for at least another couple of weeks. The Dodgers will be very cautious and do not plan to rush him back into the bullpen. The 29-year-old was 7-3 with 45 saves and a 2.19 ERA in 70 games last season, one year after claiming the National League Cy Young Award.

Yhency Brazoban, lad

With regular closer Eric Gagne sidelined for at least another couple of weeks with a sprained pitching elbow, Brazoban will continue to handle most of the save situations for the Los Angeles Dodgers. So far this season, the 24-year-old righthander has gone 1-0 with a 6.23 ERA and two saves in four relief appearances.

Brazoban made his major league debut last season and went 6-2 with a 2.48 ERA in 31 games, and despite his limited experience, the Dodgers are confident that he can handle the job in Gagne's stead.

4/13/2005

Jayson Werth, lad

The broken bone in Werth's left wrist has healed, but the Dodgers' outfielder continues to be bothered by discomfort, reportedly caused by scar tissue. As a result, he has yet to resume swinging a bat, and the team does not have a timetable for his return. Werth is currently on the 15-day disabled list.

Jason Repko will continue to get the majority of the starts in left field during Werth's absence, with Ricky Ledee and Jason Grabowski seeing some time there as well. In 89 games last season, Werth batted .262 with 16 home runs, 47 RBI and four stolen bases.

Jayson Werth, lad

The broken bone in Werth's left wrist has healed, but the Dodgers' outfielder continues to be bothered by discomfort, reportedly caused by scar tissue. As a result, he has yet to resume swinging a bat, and the team does not have a definite timetable for his return. Werth, who currently is on the 15-day disabled list, said he is optimistic that he will be back within the next couple of weeks.

Jason Repko will continue to get the majority of the starts in left field during Werth's absence, with Ricky Ledee and Jason Grabowski seeing some time there as well. In 89 games last season, Werth batted .262 with 16 home runs, 47 RBI and four stolen bases.

4/12/2005

Kenny Lofton, lad

As a precautionary measure, Lofton was held out of the Phillies' lineup for Monday's game against the Florida Marlins. The outfielder, who was bothered by a strained left hamstring over the last few weeks of spring training, was removed in the sixth inning of Sunday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals after reporting some tightness in his right hamstring. Jason Michaels got the starting nod in his absence.

Lofton's most recent injury is not serious, and the Phillies expect him back in center field on Tuesday or Wednesday, at the latest. In six games this season, Lofton is batting .350 with one home run and three RBI.

4/11/2005

Kenny Lofton, lad

Lofton, who was bothered by a strained left hamstring over the last few weeks of spring training, was removed in the sixth inning of Sunday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals after reporting some tightness in his right hamstring. According to Phillies manager Charlie Manuel, the move was precautionary, and the injury does not appear to be serious. Lofton has been listed as day-to-day.

Lofton will be re-evaluated on Monday to determine his status. If he is forced to miss any time, Jason Michaels likely will step into the starting lineup. In six games this season, Lofton is batting .350 with one home run and three RBI.

Nomar Garciaparra, lad

Since going 2-for-5 with a pair of RBI on Opening Day, Garciaparra has struggled. He's gone 2-for-23 (.087) since the opener, with just one run scored and one RBI. He has yet to record an extra-base hit in 29 plate appearances this season.

Derek Lowe, lad

Lowe was knocked out of Sunday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks after taking a liner off his pitching arm in the fifth inning. The Dodgers' righthander underwent precautionary X-rays, which were negative, and he was diagnosed with a bruised triceps muscle. As long as the pain and minor swelling subside over the next couple of days, Lowe should be available for his next start. He had allowed two earned runs on four hits in 4.1 innings prior to his departure.

Lowe will be evaluated on a daily basis to monitor his progress, but barring any last-minute setbacks, expect him to take the mound as scheduled later this week. Through two starts this season, he is 0-1 with a 3.18 ERA.

Brad Penny, lad

According to Dodgers manager Jim Tracy, the team would like to see Penny make two starts in the minor leagues before joining the big league club. The righthander, who currently is on the 15-day disabled list recovering from a nerve injury in his biceps, is scheduled to take the mound with Class-A Vero Beach on Wednesday. If he remains on schedule in his recovery, Penny should make his season debut with Los Angeles on April 24.

The Dodgers had been shooting for an April 19th return for Penny, but have decided to give him some more time to regain the strength in his pitching arm. In 24 total starts last season -- split between Florida and LA -- he was 9-10 with a 3.15 ERA.

4/8/2005

Giovanni Carrara, lad

Carrara has been unable to pitch since straining his left hamstring trying to make a play in Tuesday's season opener. However, the Dodgers' righthander has improved over the past couple of days, and the club hopes to have his services available this weekend. He continues to be listed as day-to-day.

Carrara made 42 relief appearances last season, going 5-2 with a 2.18 ERA and two saves. He struck out 48 and walked 20 in 53.2 innings.

J.D. Drew, lad

Drew is off to a slow start with his new club. After going 0-for-4 with a walk in Thursday's victory over the San Francisco Giants, the Dodgers' outfielder is now hitless in 13 at-bats over the first three games of the 2005 campaign. Drew signed a five-year, $55 million contract with LA in December after batting .305 with 31 home runs, 93 RBI and 12 stolen bases in 145 games with Atlanta last season.

Drew looked fine in spring training, hitting .282 with three homers and seven RBI. As long as he can avoid the injury bug, he should get back on track and turn in a solid season. However, playing in pitcher-friendly Dodger Stadium might prevent him from posting totals as impressive as in 2004.

4/6/2005

Brad Penny, lad

Penny is scheduled to pitch in an extended spring training game on Friday, and if all goes well in that outing, he could be sent on a minor league rehab assignment next week. Reportedly, the Dodgers still have hope that the righthander will be ready to take the mound against the Milwaukee Brewers on April 19. Penny currently is on the 15-day disabled list, recovering from a nerve injury in his biceps.

Penny's status likely will be updated over the weekend. In 24 total starts last season -- split between Florida and LA -- he was 9-10 with a 3.15 ERA.

Eric Gagne, lad

Gagne, who is on the 15-day disabled list with a strained pitching elbow, has yet to resume throwing, and the Dodgers do not know when he will be allowed to do so. For now, the closer will continue to receive treatment on a daily basis in hopes of returning sooner rather than later. Yhency Brazoban is slated to handle most save situations in Gagne's absence.

Gagne has recovered from his sprained left knee, an injury suffered early in spring training, but the arm issues likely will keep him sidelined for at least another couple of weeks. The 29-year-old was 7-3 with 45 saves and a 2.19 ERA in 70 games last season, one year after claiming the National League Cy Young Award.

4/5/2005

Kenny Lofton, lad

Lofton shook off the nagging left hamstring that has bothered him the last three weeks, and he was in the Phillies' starting lineup for Monday's Opening Day victory over the Washington Nationals. The veteran center fielder hit sixth in the batting order and went 2-for-3 with a three-run homer and two walks.

Lofton probably won't be stealing very many bases early this season, in hopes of avoiding aggravating the injury. In 83 games with the Yankees last season, he batted .275 with three home runs, 18 RBI and seven steals.

4/4/2005

Wilson Alvarez, lad

As a precautionary measure, the Los Angeles Dodgers have placed Alvarez on the 15-day disabled list to begin the 2005 season. The veteran lefthander, who has been slowed by tendinitis in his pitching shoulder as of late, is limited to throwing on flat ground. Barring any setbacks, he hopes to return to the mound within the next week or so.

Alvarez will be absent from the Dodgers' bullpen until at least mid-April. Once healthy, he will pitch in long relief. Last season, in 40 appearances, including 15 starts, Alvarez was 7-6 with a 4.03 ERA and one save.

Jayson Werth, lad

Werth continues to be bothered by discomfort in his left wrist, and he will begin the 2005 season on the 15-day disabled list. The Dodgers' outfielder, who has been sidelined since breaking a bone in the wrist more than a month ago, started swinging a bat late last week, but was shut down because of the pain. A timetable for his return has not been set.

Ricky Ledee is expected to get the majority of the starts in left field during Werth's absence, with Jason Repko and Jason Grabowski handling the backup duties. In 89 games last season, Werth batted .262 with 16 home runs, 47 RBI and four stolen bases.