Rays/MLB

Cubs lose batting champion Lee to broken wrist

By Wire services
Published April 21, 2006

CHICAGO - Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee broke two bones in his right wrist in a collision with the Dodgers' Rafael Furcal and is expected to be in a cast up to six weeks.

The reigning NL batting champion and two-time Gold Glove winner fractured the distal radial and distal ulna bones in a freak play during the seventh inning Wednesday night in Los Angeles. Furcal led off with a bunt single to the right of the mound. Reliever Scott Eyre dived for the ball and flipped it toward first base with his glove.

The ball sailed over Lee's glove as Furcal collided with him.

The percentage of black pitchers in the majors last year was half of what it was in 1983, according to the University of Central Florida's Institute for Diversity and Ethics. The institute, which issues report cards to evaluate minority hiring and opportunities, gave baseball an overall C+

Bob Sheppard , Yankee Stadium announcer for more than a half-century, plans to be back at his microphone tonight. He missed opening day for the first time since 1950 after a bone popped out of the socket of his artificial hip. Also, Yankees right-hander Carl Pavano is expected to throw batting practice today for the first time since he bruised his left buttocks last month.

Giants leftfielder Barry Bonds was not in the starting lineup for the second straight day, but manager Felipe Alou said he will play tonight.

Pirates outfielder Jody Gerut will report to extended spring training and will not have knee surgery. The deal was reached shortly before a hearing on a grievance filed by the union after the club stopped paying his $875,000 salary.

[Last modified April 21, 2006, 02:59:09]