Baseball

Alvarez gets close to making Dodgers

Compiled from Times wires
© St. Petersburg Times
published March 27, 2003

The move makes it possible for the Dodgers to include a left-hander, perhaps former Devil Ray Wilson Alvarez or Tom Martin, in the bullpen.

"Nobody knows what's going on," said the 33-year-old Alvarez, who signed a minor-league contract during the offseason. "They say they're going to let us know in L.A."

Alvarez said he would be happy as a middle reliever.

"I knew from Day 1 it would be difficult to make this rotation when they already have six starters," he said.

CARDINALS: Backup catcher Joe Girardi returned to St. Louis for further tests after complaining of pains on his right side and in his upper back. An MRI earlier this week was inconclusive. Also, centerfielder Jim Edmonds, out since March 7 with a strained left calf, went 1-for-4 in a minor-league game.

CUBS: Second baseman Bobby Hill was optioned to Triple-A Iowa. After a strong finish last year, he hit .154 and committed five errors during the spring.

EXPOS: Starting pitcher Orlando Hernandez was placed on the 15-day disabled list with tendinitis in his right shoulder.

GIANTS: Damon Minor was sent to Triple-A Fresno, virtually ensuring veteran first baseman Andres Galarraga will make the team.

INDIANS: Third baseman Ricky Gutierrez, who had the two vertebrae in his neck fused during the offseason, will begin the season on the DL after the club shut down his baseball activities. The team wants him to focus on getting in shape before he resumes playing.

MARINERS: A day after his worst outing, right-hander Gil Meche found out he made the rotation. He allowed 10 runs in 22/3 innings against Oakland. Also, centerfielder Mike Cameron left Wednesday's game with a hyperextended left knee when he fell on the warning track. He is day to day.

ORIOLES: Outfielder Marty Cordova was a late scratch because of lower back spasms.

PADRES: First baseman Ryan Klesko plans to remain in Arizona while the Padres play exhibitions in Portland and Lake Elsinore, Calif. He hasn't played in two weeks because of a back strain but expects to be ready by opening day.

PIRATES: Reliever Matt Herges was placed on waivers after Pittsburgh traded two pitching prospects to Montreal to acquire him in December. Two days after manager Lloyd McClendon praised Herges, who went 2-1 with a 1.93 ERA and seven strikeouts in 91/3 innings, the Pirates let him go to keep right-hander Salomon Torres in case he is needed for the rotation. The move also means left-hander Dennys Reyes makes the club despite a 6.23 spring ERA.

RED SOX: Pedro Martinez said he was aware of no progress in contract extension talks. He has said he won't play in Boston in 2005 if the team doesn't pick up his $17.5-million 2004 option before the end of spring training and sign him to a new contract.

ROCKIES: Ronnie Belliard was named the starting second baseman.

ROYALS: Outfielder Carlos Beltran will miss the opener and probably start the season on the DL because of a strained oblique muscle.

TIGERS: Nate Cornejo and Gary Knotts earned the final spots in the rotation, joining Mike Maroth, the opening day starter, Jeremy Bonderman and Adam Bernero. The decision forces knuckleballer Steve Sparks to the bullpen.

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