THE SIDELINES : Cubs Reactivate Dawson, Grace Out

CHICAGO —  The Chicago Cubs activated outfielder Andre Dawson today and placed first-baseman Mark Grace on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to June 5.

Dawson was placed on the disabled list May 9 because of an injured right knee and two days later had arthroscopic surgery to repair cartilage.

Manager Don Zimmer said Dawson would not start today against the St. Louis Cardinals, but might be used as a pinch hitter. Dawson, the National League’s Most Valuable Player in 1987, is expected to start Tuesday in the first of a three-game series at New York against the Mets. At the time of his injury, Dawson was batting .305 with five home runs and 19 RBIs.

Grace has been out of the lineup since suffering a separation of his right shoulder June 4 at St. Louis when he was involved in a melee after Cardinal pitcher Frank DiPino brushed him back. Grace was batting .316 with two homers and 26 RBIs.