Sheets back in right direction

By wire services
Published May 28, 2005

MILWAUKEE - Ben Sheets donned a New Orleans Saints football helmet when pitchers' batting practice started Friday night. The clubhouse clown is back, even if he's still not quite himself.

The Brewers' ace declared himself ready to return to the rotation after spending more than a month on the disabled list with an inner ear problem that caused him to lose his balance.

"The dizziness is totally gone," he said. "It might be a little fogginess or something."

Sheets, who had been on the DL since April 21, will be activated in time to face Houston tonight. If it were up to Sheets, he'd have been back on the mound weeks ago: ready or not.

"I've been trying to convince them forever," Sheets said. "They don't believe me anymore."

ATHLETICS: Designated hitter Erubiel Durazo (left elbow tendinitis) went on the 15-day disabled list. First baseman Dan Johnson was called up from Triple-A Sacramento.

BLUE JAYS: Right-hander Roy Halladay (left side muscle) reported no stiffness a day after throwing on the side. He is scheduled to start Sunday after being pushed back a few days.

CARDINALS: The children of former pitcher Darryl Kile removed their father's jersey number 57 - which was up because it coincided with the number of home games left at Busch Stadium - from the rightfield wall as part of the final-year countdown at the 40-year-old ballpark. Kile's widow, Flynn Kile, made her first appearance at the stadium since her husband's funeral in 2002.

DIAMONDBACKS: Closer Brandon Lyon said doctors believe he needs rest, not surgery, for his injured right elbow. The right-hander will not throw for 10 days.

DODGERS: Catcher Paul Bako (sprained left knee) went on the DL and touted catching prospect Dioner Navarro was called up from Triple-A Las Vegas. Also, Derek Thompson was brought up from Double-A Jacksonville to start tonight against Arizona.

GIANTS: General manager Brian Sabean blasted two news organizations for what he considers sensationalistic journalism, comparing their coverage of injured slugger Barry Bonds to the National Enquirer. Sabean singled out ESPN and MLB.com for their coverage of Bonds, sidelined following three operations on his troublesome right knee.

INDIANS: Manager Eric Wedge left the team to attend to a "personal family emergency" and missed the series opener against Oakland. General manager Mark Shapiro said Wedge should be back in time for tonight's game. Bench coach Buddy Bell filled in.

MARLINS: Closer Guillermo Mota was activated from the DL. Manager Jack McKeon said Mota likely would come back in a middle relief or set-up role to get comfortable before resuming his closing duties; Todd Jones came into Friday with seven saves in eight opportunities in Mota's absence.

METS: Outfielder Eric Valent was designated for assignment and outfielder Victor Diaz will be called up from Triple-A Norfolk.

ROCKIES: Manager Clint Hurdle rejoined the team after missing six games. He had returned to Denver on Saturday after his 2-year-old daughter, Madison, was hospitalized due to seizures related to Prader-Willi Syndrome, a genetic disorder. She was released Wednesday. ... Pitcher Shawn Chacon (sprained ankle) will miss his scheduled start today against the Cubs.

[Last modified May 28, 2005, 00:32:03]