NEW YORK - A baseball World Cup would have more stringent drug testing than in the majors under agreements reached Monday.
Baseball hopes to hold the event in March in North America with eight to 16 national teams. The testing program would meet standards of the Olympics and the World Anti-Doping Agency.
The Olympic Games ban several substances that are not prohibited by Major League Baseball. Steroids are banned by both.
Players will be subject to more frequent testing during the World Cup than is allowed in the majors. An agreement among MLB, the players' union and the International Baseball Federation was needed to clear the way for the tournament.
Testing can begin 45 days before the tournament.
JOE D BAT AUCTIONED: A bat used by Joe DiMaggio during his 56-game hitting streak in 1941 sold for $345,500 at auction last week. MastroNet Inc. announced that Hillerich & Bradsby, the manufacturers of Louisville Slugger, purchased the bat.
ASTROS: Left-hander Andy Pettitte is expected to come off the disabled list and start Thursday in Pittsburgh.
BLUE JAYS: Catcher Greg Myers left the game against the Twins with a left ankle injury. Its severity was unknown.
BRAVES: Leftfielder Chipper Jones went on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring, his first DL stint since 1996. Infielder Mike Hessman was called up from Triple-A Richmond to take Jones' roster spot.
CUBS: Right-hander Mark Prior is scheduled to throw 50 pitches in a bullpen session today, then rehabilitate at the spring training facility in Mesa, Ariz.
GIANTS: The contract of infielder Deivi Cruz, who spent spring training with the Devil Rays, was purchased from Triple-A Fresno. Right-hander Dustin Hermanson went on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain to make roster room.
MARINERS: Right-hander Kevin Jarvis was designated for assignment.
PIRATES: First baseman Randall Simon went on the disabled list with a strained left hamstring. First baseman Carlos Rivera was recalled from Triple-A Nashville.
REDS: Outfielder Austin Kearns' left forearm was broken when he was hit by Ryan Vogelsong's pitch in Pittsburgh. Kearns is all but certain to go on the 15-day disabled list. ... Third baseman Brandon Larson was activated from the disabled list, completing his nearly seven-week comeback from turf toe. Catcher Corky Miller was optioned to Triple-A Louisville, leaving the team with two catchers, starter Jason LaRue and former Devil Ray Javier Valentin.
RED SOX: DH Ellis Burks was placed on the 15-day disabled list and is scheduled for surgery today to repair torn cartilage in his left knee. It's not certain how long he will be sidelined.
TWINS: Rookie catcher Joe Mauer, recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery, took batting practice before the game.
