NL inside pitch
l Braves third baseman Chipper Jones went on the 15-day disabled list Monday because of a sprained right knee and ankle, but the injury was not as severe as the Braves feared. Jones was injured Sunday when he charged in on Mike Matheny's slow roller in the eighth inning of Atlanta's 6-5 loss to the Giants.
l The Cubs called a news conference for today, and the agent for NL batting champion Derrek Lee implied an agreement was close on a contract extension. "It's fairly likely something will be worked out," agent Casey Close said Monday. "We still have to iron out some things." Cubs general manager Jim Hendry declined comment. Lee is making $8 million in the final season of a $22.5 million, three-year deal. Through the first five games this season, Lee is batting .375 with three homers and six RBIs.
People are also reading…
l Washington reliever Felix Rodriguez was suspended for three games and Nationals manager Frank Robinson for one for their roles in last week's game against the Mets in which five batters were hit by pitches. Rodriguez and Robinson were both ejected at Shea Stadium on Thursday after Rodriguez hit Paul Lo Duca with a pitch in the eighth inning. Rodriguez and Robinson also were fined, as was outfielder Jose Guillen. Robinson served his suspension during Monday's series finale against Houston. Rodriguez's suspension was to begin Wednesday, but the players' association said it will file an appeal, delaying any penalty until after a hearing.
l Former Diamondbacks pitcher Oscar Villareal (3-0) of the Braves leads the major leagues in victories.
l Vice President Dick Cheney is to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Nationals' home opener today against the Mets.
l Lance Cormier came on to pitch for the Braves in the sixth inning Monday, and Rheal Cormier took over for the Phillies in the bottom half. The two are not related.
l Pirates manager Jim Tracy became the first former Dodgers manager to oppose the club since Leo Durocher managed the Astros in 1973.
-The Associated Press
NL stat of the day
3 In seven games, Lance Berkman of the Astros has three first-inning home runs. After homering Monday against the Nationals, he has four homers overall and is hitting .360.
