BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJOR LEAGUES : Riverfront Stadium to Get Padded Walls

The outfield walls at Cincinnati’s Riverfront Stadium will be padded next year, the city and the Reds agreed, ending a controversy started by Lenny Dykstra’s season-ending injury.

The city, which operates the stadium, and the Reds were criticized after Dykstra suffered a broken collarbone by running into the unpadded wall Monday night. The plywood walls have never been padded during the stadium’s 21 years, one of only four NL stadium without such protection for outfielders.

The ballclub estimates it will cost $40,000 to $60,000 to get the pads, expected to be in place by opening day.

Owner Marge Schott had sidestepped the padding question Tuesday. She said it was the city’s responsibility.

Bo Jackson said he is ready to return to the major leagues after his minor league assignment with the double-A Birmingham Barons. He went four for 13 in four games. “I am certain that I can play, but anything can happen,” he said. Jackson said he will return to the Chicago White Sox for an evaluation this weekend. . . . Because of pain in his shoulder, Dwight Gooden will be sidelined at least until next Tuesday, New York Met Manager Bud Harrelson said.