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Baseball

Hoffman opts for surgery

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Trevor Hoffman is focusing on his comeback, not the shoulder operation that will sideline him half the season.

"We're going to take care of this," the Padres closer said Tuesday after deciding to have surgery. "The ball will be in my court. I'll do the things in rehab that I need to do to get on the field and pitch. Hopefully, we'll write a better ending, the way I want it done."

In 10 seasons, the right-hander never has been on the disabled list. Manager Bruce Bochy said the length of rehabilitation won't be known until the surgery.

Widow to sue drugmaker

FORT LAUDERDALE -- Kiley Bechler, the widow of Steve Bechler, plans to sue the manufacturer of a dietary supplement the Orioles pitcher was believed to be taking before his death.

Bechler, 23, died Feb. 17 from heatstroke after collapsing during a workout at training camp. In his preliminary autopsy report, Broward County chief medical examiner Dr. Joshua Perper linked Bechler's death to a diet supplement that contains ephedra.

A bottle of Xenadrine RFA-1, an over-the-counter weight-loss product containing ephedra, was found in Bechler's locker.

Cytodyne Technologies, which makes the product, said the Orioles did not properly monitor the pitcher and said there's no evidence Bechler took the drug without a toxicology report. That report is due in two weeks.

BREWERS: Right-hander Nick Neugebauer is scheduled for arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder Friday. The team won't know until after the operation how long he will be out.

CUBS: Hall of Fame pitcher Fergie Jenkins is back with the team on an invitation from new manager Dusty Baker. Jenkins, a Chicago coach in 1995-96, isn't sure what he'll do other than assist pitching coach Larry Rothschild.

DODGERS: Right-hander Darren Dreifort, trying to come back from elbow and knee surgeries, pitched two scoreless innings in an intra-squad game.

EXPOS: Infielder Jose Offerman agreed to a minor-league contract and was invited to spring training.

METS: Left-hander Tom Glavine won't pitch against his former team, the Braves, Saturday and instead will face the Orioles in a split-squad game.

PIRATES: The team, criticized the past two seasons for restricting the amount of food fans could bring, will allow larger containers into PNC Park this season.

REDS: Right-hander Luke Prokopec was placed on the 60-day disabled list by Cincinnati, which claimed Red Sox infielder Dernell Stenson off waivers.

RED SOX: Seats on top of the Green Monster will go on sale Saturday, though the section won't be open until about a month into the season.

ROCKIES: Second baseman Ronnie Belliard has a sprained ankle and is day to day.

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