BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT

The Atlanta Braves released first baseman Nick Esasky.

Esasky, 32, suffers from a type of vertigo and has not played in the major leagues in more than two years.

After signing a three-year, $5.6-million contract with the Braves before the 1990 season, he played in only nine games before being taken out of the lineup.

Montreal Expo pitcher Ken Hill was hit by a line drive while sitting in the dugout Friday and will have his right wrist X-rayed.

The accident took place in the sixth inning when Hill was struck by teammate Larry Walker’s line while sitting on the top step of the dugout at Olympic Stadium.

“It’s pretty sore, but I don’t think it’s broken,” Hill said.

The Cincinnati Reds put outfielder Reggie Sanders on the 15-day disabled list because of a punctured lung and got discouraging news about third baseman Chris Sabo’s ankle.

Cleveland Brown orthopedist John Bergfeld examined Sabo on Friday and found calcification in the ankle and an injury to a small bone. Sabo will be able to play as the ankle permits but probably will be slowed by the injury for the rest of the season. He said Friday he will probably need surgery at the end of the season.