• Mets OF Lucas Duda, who has been out of the lineup for the last two games with flulike symptoms, was in the original lineup Wednesday, but a late change left him out of the starting lineup. Kirk Nieuwenhuis took his spot in the batting order, Scott Hairston moved to right field and Nieuwenhuis played left.
• The Dodgers' introductory news conference for their new ownership group signaled a new era. Magic Johnson, Mark Walter and Stan Kasten stood on a stage in center field at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday and vowed to restore the Dodgers' pride and dignity. Magic also announced an immediate $5 reduction in parking charges.
• The Reds have signed right-hander Michael Wuertz to a minor-league deal, allowing him to work out at their spring training complex in Arizona as part of the team's extended spring training program. The 33-year-old reliever pitched five seasons for the Chicago Cubs and three with Oakland, which released him in October.
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• The Rockies have optioned struggling right-handed pitcher Jhoulys Chacin to Triple-A Colorado Springs. Chacin was 0-3 with a 7.30 ERA this season. He was coming off a performance Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers in which he gave seven runs and 11 hits in just 4 2/3 innings.
• The Phillies have placed first baseman Jim Thome on the 15-day disabled list and recalled catcher Erik Kratz from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Thome has not played since leaving Saturday night's game with tightness on the left side of his lower back.
