BASEBALL : DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJOR LEAGUES : Doctor Says Bo Jackson Is Improving

Dr. Jim Andrews examined Bo Jackson for about four hours in Birmingham, Ala., and said the two-sport star is making significant recovery from a hip injury but shouldn’t get rid of his crutches yet.

“We did not expect him to heal this injury during this period,” said Andrews, an orthopedic surgeon.

Jackson, 28, released by the Kansas City Royals in March after the team’s doctor determined that Jackson’s hip injury would not allow him to play this season, signed with the Chicago White Sox earlier this month.

Andrews said Jackson should continue using crutches “for a safety factor” as the physical-therapy program accelerates.

“Bo’s hip continues to be normal,” Andrews said. “Basically, we have seen normal range of motion.”

Kevin Mitchell of the San Francisco Giants, the National League’s leading home-run hitter with seven, has withdrawn his appeal of his two-game suspension imposed by National League President Bill White. Mitchell drew the penalty because he charged pitcher Bruce Hurst of San Diego after being hit by a pitch and brushed back on April 10. Mitchell will begin the suspension tonight night when the Giants play at Philadelphia.