AMERICAN LEAGUE

Mariners vs. White Sox
Seattle: The Mariners picked up a familiar face before Tuesday's doubleheader. C Chris Widger, who was drafted by Seattle in 1992 and spent four years with the organization before being traded to Montreal, was claimed off waivers from the Expos. Though the catcher was brought in as insurance for Joe Oliver, who's been bothered by a bad back, manager Lou Piniella also likes his bat. "He gives us power off the bench," Piniella said. ... While the series between the AL West and Central's first-place teams could be a playoff preview, Piniella doesn't want to hear it. "We're in first place and the White Sox are in first place. We're coming in here to do the best we can," he said. "This is a tough road trip for us _ four games in New York followed by four here in Chicago. I don't want my guys caught up in the moment." Chicago: RHP Cal Eldred long tossed on Tuesday, 25 throws each from 60 feet and 90 feet, and had no problems. "Everything's fine," he said. "It is encouraging. It's encouraging for today. We'll see how I feel tomorrow and go from there." Eldred will rest Wednesday and long toss again on Thursday. ... White Sox manager Jerry Manuel was cagey before the doubleheader, refusing to announce his starter for the second game. Jon Garland started the first game. ... The Cleveland Indians are narrowing the White Sox's lead in the AL Central, but Manuel said he's not worried. "We're trying to play good baseball, play complete baseball the rest of the way," he said. "If we play like we played the last couple of days, things will take care of themselves."

Twins vs. Devil Rays
Minnesota: LHP Mark Redman, who won his 10th game Monday night, has emerged as a potential AL rookie of the year candidate. "It would be a nice honor, but it's not my decision," Redman said. "But, if I can keep doing what I'm doing, there's a possibly that can happen." ... OF Matt Lawton, limited to pinch-hitting the past week because of a sprained toe, was back in the starting lineup. ... The Twins are awaiting a report from Dr. James Andrews, who examined RHP Mike Lincoln's injured right elbow Monday. Tampa Bay: GM Chuck LaMar does not anticipate making any additional moves similar to letting DH Jose Canseco be claimed off waivers Monday by the New York Yankees. "Is it a revamping of our roster, yes, but the core group of veteran players that I think is going to make us a fine major league club next year, they're here," LaMar said. "If they (the veterans) play up to par and the young players develop, we'll have the best (outcome) we've ever had." ... LHP Tony Saunders (broken left arm) might move up a step to high-level Class-A St. Petersburg for his third rehab start. "If he feels good, we may move him up and go from there," manager Larry Rothschild said. Saunders allowed one run and one hit in three innings for Single-A Charleston on Monday.

Orioles vs. Tigers
Baltimore: Manager Mike Hargrove has liked what he's seen of SS Melvin Mora, both at the plate and in the field, since the Orioles obtained the converted outfielder in a trade that sent Mike Bordick to the New York Mets. "He's a guy who is learning to play shortstop and doing a very good job of it," Hargrove said. Mora was 16-for-41 (.390) in his first 10 games with Baltimore. ... LHP Buddy Groom struck out the only batter he faced, Bobby Higginson in the eighth, and earned Monday's 4-3 win at Detroit when the Orioles broke a tie in the ninth. Groom pitched for the Tigers from 1992-95. "I don't remember him throwing that hard," Higginson said. "If he had, he'd still be here." Detroit: RHP Dave Mlicki is still recovering from recent sinus surgery, and it's unknown when he will return. "Maybe a fresh start is what I needed _ clean my head," Mlicki said. Mlicki doesn't blame the sinus blockage for his 4-10 record, although the surgery revealed the problem was much worse than first thought. ... 1B Tony Clark is supposed to start swinging a bat this week, but he's still nowhere close to playing. Clark has been on the DL since July 15 with a lumbar spine strain.

Rangers vs. Indians
Texas: CF Gabe Kapler's two-run double in the first extended his hitting streak to 22 games, tying him with Toronto's Carlos Delgado for the AL's longest streak this season. Kapler's streak is also the longest for Texas since Jim Sundberg hit in 22 straight in 1978. Mickey Rivers holds the club record, hitting in 24 in a row in 1980. ... 2B Luis Alicea's single in the first inning gave him a career-high 114 hits this season. Alicea set his previous personal best with 113 hits in 1995. ... The Rangers entered Tuesday night's game trailing first-place Seattle by 12{ games in the AL West. It's Texas' biggest deficit after 110 games since 1988 when they were 20 back. Cleveland: Closer Bob Wickman has appeared in six of Cleveland's eight games since he arrived in a July 28 trade from Milwaukee. So far, Wickman, is 3-for-4 in save opportunities with the Indians. "He's due for a day off," Indians manager Charlie Manuel said. "We can't pitch him everyday, but I would if I could." ... With RF Manny Ramirez possibly headed back to the DL with a hamstring injury, Manuel said the team would be looking for someone to play in right field. One possibility is through a waiver-wire deal. Another is to recall Russell Branyan, who was recently sent back to Triple-A Buffalo. ... Indians owner Larry Dolan presented SS Omar Vizquel with a $25,000 crystal vase for Vizquel's 95-game errorless streak earlier this season. Dolan also donated $25,000 to the Cleveland Baseball Federation in Vizquel's name.

Athletics vs. Yankees
Oakland: Despite losing two straight, Oakland has won 10 of 15 games. ... The A's have the third-best road record in the AL, behind division leaders Chicago and New York. New York: The Yankees have won the last four and five of the last six series between the teams. ... Luis Sojo, acquired by the Yankees on Monday, was in the starting lineup at second base, hitting ninth. ... The Yankees will face left-handers in three of four games, including the first and last games of this series. After losing to Seattle's John Halama on Monday, New York fell to 14-16 against lefties this year. ... The Yankees are just 22-21 in day games, and are one of only two AL teams with a better road than home record.

Blue Jays vs. Royals
Toronto: Toronto sent RHP Pete Munro to Texas on a waiver claim to complete the deal for OF Dave Martinez. The Jays acquired Martinez last week for a player to be named. Munro, a right-hander, has a 1-1 record and 5.96 ERA in nine games for Toronto this season, including three starts. OF Raul Mondesi will undergo season-ending ligament surgery on his right elbow next Monday. The surgery will be performed by Dr. John Uribe in Coral Gables, Fla. Mondesi was hitting .273 with 24 home runs and 67 RBIs before going on the DL July 22. Kansas City: The Royals will send someone from their spring training complex near Haines City, Fla., next week to work with OF Carlos Beltran, who is rehabbing a knee injury. Beltran has refused the Royals' request to go to Florida for the work, insisting on staying in Kansas City. The issue will go before an arbitrator later this month. RHP Chris Fussell rejoined the club Tuesday and was reinstated from the DL. He has been sidelined since June 8 with a strained right elbow.

Red Sox vs. Angels
Boston: Red Sox ace Pedro Martinez brought a 9-0 record with a 1.21 ERA in 11 road starts into the game. Martinez won his first five starts of the season, one a 5-2 victory in Anaheim on April 9. He allowed five hits and one run and struck out 12 in 7 1-3 innings that day. He was attempting to win his fifth straight start Tuesday night. ... Brian Daubach, the DH against Angels RHP Ramon Ortiz, entered with only four hits in his last 28 at-bats. ... Red Sox manager Jimy Williams said before the game that 2B Jose Offerman and RHP Ramon Martinez, both on the 15-day DL with injured knees, are both making progress. Offerman is eligible to be activated Aug. 14 and Martinez is eligible two days later. ... 2B Mike Lansing went hitless in his first game with the Red Sox, but hit safely in his next eight entering Tueseday night. He was acquired from Colorado on July 27. Anaheim: OF Tim Salmon brought a career-high 15-game hitting streak into the game. He had three hits in 10 lifetime at-bats against Boston starter Pedro Martinez. ... LHP Kent Mercker, who suffered a cerebral hemorrhage May 11, is slated to start Saturday against the New York Yankees. He has pitched in a couple of simulated games and one minor league game since being cleared to throw. "Obviously, it's going to be an emotional day for me," Mercker said. "It seems like it's been forever." ... The Angels promoted 31-year-old 1B-OF Chris Hatcher from their Triple-A Edmonton farm club of the PCL before the game. They acquired Hatcher from the Chicago Cubs' organization July 28. "I've spent a lot of time in the minors, I'm real excited about this," he said. "I've just been real unlucky as far as getting an opportunity. I don't have time to act like a rookie." Hatcher made his big league debut in Anaheim while playing for Kansas City two years ago. ... RHP Matt Wise will make his first big-league start Wednesday night. He will become the 12th Angels starter this season.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Padres vs. Phillies
San Diego: Trevor Hoffman is the third closer in history to reach the 30-save plateau in six consecutive seasons. He joined Lee Smith (1990-95) and Dennis Eckersley (1988-93). ... 1B Ryan Klesko is 21-for-85 (.247) against lefties this season, including a 2-for-2 performance Monday. In the previous two seasons combined, Klesko was 18-for-110 (.164) off southpaws. However, Klesko wasn't in Tuesday's starting lineup against lefty Omar Daal. ... Padres manager Bruce Bochy sat 2B Bret Boone for the first time this season on Monday night. He had a pinch-hit appearance to remain the lone Padre to play in all 112 games this season. ... Jay Witasick (0-0) will make his second start for the club Wednesday. He surrendered seven runs and nine hits in five innings against Chicago on Friday. Witasick was acquired in a trade with Kansas City for pitcher Brian Meadows. Philadelphia: Wednesday's starter Kent Bottenfield (0-1) was shelled for 11 hits and five runs in six innings against Colorado in his return to the NL. Bottenfield was 2-0 with a 3.77 ERA against the Padres in 1999. ... Despite missing more than a month, RHP Wayne Gomes leads the club with 43 appearances. Gomes, out since July 7 with tendinitis in his right elbow, was activated from the 15-day DL on Tuesday. ... 1B Pat Burrell has hit five of his 11 home runs in the ninth inning. Two of those homers have come off the Mets' Armando Benitez and Padres' Trevor Hoffman to tie games.

Braves vs. Reds
Atlanta: 1B Andres Galarraga had precautionary tests in Chicago to make sure cancer hasn't returned. The Braves revealed he cracked the bone at the tip of his left thumb -- the team had described it as a sprain -- on July 22. X-rays found a cyst by the fracture and tests were recommended. Results so far show no sign of cancer. ... Chipper Jones lined out to second in his first at-bat Tuesday, leaving him in an 0-for-16 slump that is the longest of his career. He went 0-for-15 three times in 1995 and once in 1997. Cincinnati: SS Barry Larkin took batting practice and fielded grounders for the first time since he sprained a knee ligament last Friday night. He moved cautiously but said he felt good. ... The Reds' streak of seven games without a homer is their longest streak since they went eight games without one in 1992. ... 3B Aaron Boone had surgery Tuesday to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Marlins vs. Cardinals
Florida: 2B and leadoff hitter Luis Castillo returned to the lineup after missing three games with a strained right hamstring. Castillo was on deck as a pinch-hitter when the ninth ended Monday, and manager John Boles planned to pinch-run for him if he reached base. The top of the lineup was left blank until after Castillo took batting practice. ... The Marlins' bullpen is the best in the major leagues with a 3.78 ERA and has 25 victories, tied for second. ... The Marlins had 25 one-run victories in their first 112 games, the most in the majors. They're 25-16 in one-run games, with three of their victories during their just ended five-game winning streak by a run. ... OF Preston Wilson tied his career best with two steals Monday. St. Louis: Closer Dave Veres has been stuck on 18 saves since the All-Star break, partly because of a minor injury suffered while lifting his son a few weeks ago. Manager Tony La Russa didn't use Veres for about 10 days in one stretch. "He just avoided me as much as possible and there weren't a lot of save situations anyway," Veres said. Veres is feeling much better, throwing an inning on Sunday and two on Monday. ... La Russa would like major league baseball to consider changing the rule for suspended games, which requires teams to start from scratch. Monday's 2-1, 11-inning victory was delayed by rain for 2 hours and 14 minutes before the ninth inning. "That rule is probably not the best one," La Russa said. "It doesn't make sense to start that all over again." ... The Cardinals were 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position Monday with J.D. Drew's game-winning single the lone hit.

Mets vs. Astros
New York: OF Derek Bell, traded to the Mets last season from the Astros, responded to the booing that greeted his return to Houston with his usual smile. "My mom was in the stands so those are the only emotions I worry about," Bell said. "She'll cheer me. I can't carry my emotions on my sleeve. Some of the fans might want to boo me, but some will remember the good years I had and the things I did in the community and those fans will cheer me. It doesn't matter. I've got fans in New York who cheer me now." Houston: Roger Cedeno started the season as the Astros center fielder of the future but hand surgery has cost him much of the season. He's scheduled for a minor league rehab assignment next week and if that is successful, he'll have to push aside someone to reclaim his starting position. "It's going to be tough," Cedeno said. "Everybody is doing a great job out there. It's part of the game." Manager Larry Dierker will have to find time for Moises Alou, Richard Hidalgo, Lance Berkman, Daryle Ward, and Cedeno.

Pirates vs. Rockies
Pittsburgh: RHP Todd Ritchie threw a simulated game before Tuesday's game. "I wanted to have him throw so we could decide if he would make his start on Friday against Arizona," manager Gene Lamont said. "He's coming off the DL (right shoulder). If he goes Friday, we won't have him on a pitch count, say 60 or 75 pitches." ... Pittsburgh is 5-12 on the road against the NL West. ... Enrique Wilson was in the starting lineup at 3B. "I promised him some at-bats," Lamont said. "Over the last few weeks Aramis Ramirez played all but one game and Luis Sojo got that game. Enrique played a lot last year in Cleveland when Travis Fryman got hurt, but that wasn't going to happen with Fryman playing 150 games." ... The Pirates haven't won back-to-back road games since July 4-5 in Chicago and only four times all year. Colorado: The Rockies determined that RHP Craig House was the fastest player in organizational history to make it to the majors. House was drafted in 1999. ... Colorado has not been five games under .500 this year. ... RHP Kevin Jarvis (back) and RHP Mike DeJean (strained oblique muscle) threw simulated games before Tuesday's game. Both are eligible to come off the 15-day DL on Thursday and will have rehab assignments. "Jarvis had some extension that he didn't have when he was experiencing pain in his back," Bell said. "Jerry Dipoto is getting closer, but won't have a rehab until September at the earliest." ... Bell compares CF Juan Pierre, who made his first career start Tuesday, to Mickey Rivers. "Personality-wise, no," Bell said. "But in terms of how they moved, how they looked, their size, he has a lot of Mickey's similarities." . ... RHP Pedro Astacio will make his scheduled start in the makeup game Thursday in St. Louis, but won't make the weekend trip to Montreal. "If he pitches Thursday, there is no reason for him to go," Bell said.

Brewers vs. Giants
Milwaukee: Manager Davey Lopes did not join the team Tuesday night, but stayed in his hotel room with the flu instead. Bench coach Jerry Royster will handle managing duties in his place. ... RHP Everett Stull has yet to pitch since being recalled from the minors last Wednesday. Lopes said it's because he doesn't want to throw him into a critical situation. It may also be his 7.77 ERA in the seven games _ four starts _ in which he pitched for Milwaukee at the start of the season. He was sent to Triple-A Indianapolis in May. He was 7-5 with a 2.95 ERA in 16 starts for Indianapolis. ... SS Mark Loretta appears on track to return to the club on Saturday. He made his rehab start with Indianapolis on Monday night and went 1-for-2 before leaving the game. Loretta has been out with a broken left foot since June 2. ... OF Mark Sweeney also started a rehab assignment last week in Indianapolis. San Francisco: Giants manager Dusty Baker borrowed the strategy of using two catchers almost equally from Arizona manager Buck Showalter, and its been paying off this season. "I've never tried it before," Baker said. "I could have gone with either one of them every day. This gives them almost equal amount of playing time." C Bobby Estalella usually catches for Livan Hernandez and Shawn Estes, while C Doug Mirabelli gets the call for Kirk Rueter and Mark Gardner. The two catchers have handled Russ Ortiz and Joe Nathan almost evenly. The catchers have combined for 17 homers and 62 RBIs. ... OF Marvin Benard has three multihit games in his last five following a streak in which he had just one multi-hit game in his previous 17.

Cubs vs. Dodgers
Chicago: Andy MacPhail, who added the GM role to his duties as president and CEO after the resignation of Ed Lynch, probably won't have any trouble re-signing Sammy Sosa to a multiyear extension during the offseason because Sosa likes what he's already done to strengthen the club. "The reason why I want to stay here is that I can see a future now," Sosa said Tuesday. "I feel great about it. We've got a new GM now who knows how to pull a team together. He's not afraid to pull the trigger, and he wants to win. I can see by this year that we're going to be a competitive team for the next four or five years _ and that's what I'm looking for." ... Tuesday marked the 12th anniversary of the night the lights at Wrigley Field were turned on for the first time _ as 91-year-old Cubs fan Harry Grossman did the honors. The game was rained out in the fourth inning with the Cubs leading the Phillies 3-1, so they tried it again the following night and the Cubs beat the Mets 6-4. The Cubs' record in night games at Wrigley Field is 102-116, including 1-1 against the Giants in the 1989 NLCS. Los Angeles: OF Gary Sheffield entered Tuesday night's game with 81 walks, one fewer than NL-leader Ken Griffey Jr. The only two Dodgers to lead the league in bases on balls at the end of a season were Jim Gilliam (96 in 1959) and Brett Butler (108 in 1991). ... The Dodgers have lost six of their last nine, and the six losses were against four teams _ Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee and Chicago _ that were a combined 56 games under .500 and 56 1-2 games out of first place. But they still were only 4{ games behind San Francisco in the NL West, with 19 of their final 28 games at home. "Every team in the division has had some problems the last week or so, and we've all lost games we probably should have won," C Chad Kreuter said. "So it's going to come down to whoever gets lucky and rides a little hot streak. And the depth of each team is probably going to play out."

Expos vs. Diamondbacks
Montreal: The Expos acquired two minor leaguers to be named for C Chris Widger, who was claimed on waivers by the Seattle Mariners, and recalled C Brian Schneider from Triple-A Ottawa. Widger was waived after dropping two third strikes that allowed Steve Finley to reach base in the first and sixth innings of Arizona's 5-2 win Monday night. ... Scott Downs' first start for the Expos marked the first time they had left-handers begin consecutive game since May 29-30, 1998 (Carlos Perez and Trey Moore vs. Pittsburgh). Moore pitched Monday night. Montreal acquired Downs from the Cubs for Rondell White on July 31. ... Steve Jones was manager Felipe Alou's choice in CF because of Diamondbacks starter Brian Anderson. Regular CF Peter Bergeron, who drove in both of Montreal's runs the night before, has a .167 batting average against left-handers. ... RHP Carl Pavano, on the DL since June 25 with right triceps tendinitis, threw off a mound Monday for the first time in his rehab. Arizona: LF Luis Gonzalez and RHP Curt Schilling, both hit in the arm by balls in the first game of the series, were bruised but OK. Gonzalez, the only Diamondbacks player to start every game, was hit on the right elbow by a pitch from Montreal's Trey Moore in the first inning; Schilling was struck in the left forearm by a drive off the bat of Moore in the fourth. ... RHP Todd Stottlemyre, put on the DL June 26 with right elbow tendinitis, will throw off a mound on Wednesday _ the first time in his recovery. "We're excited about that," manager Buck Showalter said. Because of unfavorable schedules by the organization's farm teams, Stottlemyre's first game action will probably be in the Arizona Rookie League.