Eric Gagne did not need elbow ligament replacement surgery, and the Los Angeles Dodgers' All-Star closer should return much sooner than expected. Gagne had season-ending surgery on his right elbow Friday. But Dr. Frank Jobe and Dr. Ralph Gambardella , who performed the surgery at the Kerlan-Jobe Clinic, discovered less damage than expected. Originally expected to miss 12-14 months, Gagne's recovery time has been reduced to six, and he will be ready for spring training.
Baltimore manager Lee Mazzilli and Seattle first baseman Richie Sexson were each suspended for two games and fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Baseball after each threw objects onto the field following separate ejections last weekend.
Curt Schilling moved closer to returning to Boston's rotation, throwing another simulated game yesterday.
The New York Mets set a National League record last night by hitting three sacrifice flies in the second inning against the Yankees.
The Tampa Bay Devil Rays are desperate for help in their bullpen and they recalled their demoted Opening Day starter, Dewon Brazelton , with hopes he will be able to jump-start his faltering career as a reliever. The Devil Rays sent reliever Lee Gardner was to Class AAA Durham. ... St. Louis Cardinals reliever Randy Flores was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of an unusual injury: When he removed his sock following a two-inning stint the previous night, a large patch of skin came off with it. ... The Cincinnati Reds called up third baseman Edwin Encarnacion from Triple-A Louisville and placed outfielder Kenny Kelly on the 15-day disabled list.
Five minor leaguers were suspended for 15 games by the commissioner's office for violating baseball's minor-league drug policy. That brings the number of minor leaguers penalized for violations under the minor league program to 75. Five have been suspended under the major-league policy.
