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Around the National League

Compiled from Times wires

© St. Petersburg Times, published March 15, 2001

Broken finger has Javy Lopez out 3-4 weeks

KISSIMMEE -- Braves catcher Javy Lopez will miss 3-4 weeks after breaking his left ring finger.

"What can you do?" Atlanta manager Bobby Cox said Wednesday. "I'm trying to make him feel better, and he's trying to make me feel better. We cry on each other's shoulder, I guess."

Lopez was hurt Tuesday blocking a pitch by Greg Maddux in the first inning of a 7-3 loss to the Dodgers.

Cox isn't optimistic that Lopez will be ready by opening day.

"That might be pushing it," he said. "We'll see. Javy's really tough."

Eddie Perez had surgery after tearing his right rotator cuff early last season. He has not appeared in a game and is not likely to be ready for the opener.

Cox said Perez likely will see his first action of spring today against Detroit, but it will be as a designated hitter.

Atlanta has three other catchers in camp after reassigning Jean Boscan to the minors -- Paul Bako, Dax Norris and Jesse Levis

"We'll cover it," Cox said.

BREWERS: Starting shortstop Mark Loretta has a torn ligament in his left thumb and will be out 6-8 weeks. He was scheduled for surgery on the thumb this morning to reattach the ligament.

Manager Davey Lopes said he'll move Jose Hernandez to shortstop.

The team also waived left-hander Rafael Roque.

D'BACKS: Cy Young winner Randy Johnson gave up consecutive homers to Richie Sexson and Tony Fernandez in a 16-5 loss to the Brewers. Johnson allowed five hits and three runs over five innings. He struck out six.

DODGERS: Centerfielder Tom Goodwin must decide today whether he wants to stay with the team. As a player traded in the middle of a multiyear deal, Goodwin had the right to demand a trade during the off-season. He did so to protect his rights. The deadline to withdraw that demand is today.

If Goodwin doesn't withdraw, he must be traded today or become a free agent, able to negotiate with any team. It would leave the Dodgers with Marquis Grissom as their starting centerfielder.

There are four alternatives for Goodwin: He can withdraw his trade demand, be traded, play with the Dodgers under his current contract or play with the Dodgers under a revised contract.

EXPOS: Catcher Bob Henley was released and outfield prospect Wilken Ruan was among eight players sent to the minor-league camp.

PADRES: Centerfielder Ruben Rivera, sensational in the field but often awful at the plate, was put on unconditional release waivers. Also, left-hander Scott Karl was placed on unconditional release waivers.

ROCKIES: Denny Neagle allowed eight hits and five runs in four innings in a 6-5 loss to the Angels. Neagle, who left the Yankees and signed as a free agent, complained of some stiffness in his throwing shoulder, but said it was normal.

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