Matsui Apologizes for Being Injured

Immediately following surgery Friday to repair a broken wrist that will sideline him for at least three months, Hideki Matsui apologized for getting hurt.

Matsui was injured trying to make a diving catch in left field during the New York Yankees’ 5-3 loss to the Boston Red Sox on Thursday night. The broken radius bone ended his consecutive games played streak that dated to August 1993 and included 1,250 games with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan and 518 with the Yankees.

“Due to this injury, I feel very sorry and, at the same time, very disappointed to have let my teammates down,” Matsui said in a statement. “I will do my best to fully recover and return to the field to help my team once again.”

Yankees Manager Joe Torre spoke with Matsui, who was operated on at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center. Torre expects Matsui will return to the ballpark in the next few days and remain in the New York area while his wrist heals.

Torre estimates that Matsui will sit out most of the remainder of the season.

Matsui was put on the 15-day disabled list, and outfielder Kevin Reese was recalled from triple-A Columbus.

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Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Aaron Rowand was put on the 15-day disabled list Friday, one day after he broke his nose on a spectacular catch in a 2-0 win over the New York Mets.

The Phillies called up outfielder Chris Roberson from Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to take Rowand’s roster spot.

With the bases loaded and two out in the top of the first inning, Rowand ran face-first into the fence while making an over-the-shoulder catch of a deep fly. He broke his nose and suffered fractures around his left eye.

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Houston Astros closer Brad Lidge probably will not be used in save situations for the next couple of games as he makes adjustments that Manager Phil Garner hopes will be a remedy for his recent struggles. Garner told Lidge of the decision Friday before Houston’s game against Colorado. Lidge has had trouble locating his pitches this season and almost squandered a three-run lead in the ninth inning Thursday before being replaced by Dan Wheeler with the bases loaded and two out. Wheeler retired Kenny Lofton to preserve a 4-2 win over the Dodgers.... Chicago Cubs right-hander Kerry Wood gave up a run and five hits, and struck out three in five innings in a rehabilitation start for triple-A Iowa. Wood, coming back from right shoulder surgery, could make his season debut for Chicago on Wednesday.