BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJOR LEAGUES : Valenzuela Wins Third in a Row

Former Dodger pitcher Fernando Valenzuela gave up seven hits, struck out five and walked three as Guadalajara defeated Veracruz, 7-1, Tuesday in the Mexican League. It was Valenzuela’s third consecutive complete-game victory.

He has given up five earned runs during the past three games--a turnaround from struggles with control early in his comeback effort, which was briefly interrupted by minor eye surgery.

Despite three victories in a row, Valenzuela’s record is 5-8 for the last-place Guadalajara team. His earned run average is 4.32, although it has been 2.41 over the past five games.

A federal judge is expected to rule today on the Chicago Cubs’ request to block realignment that would move the team to the National League West next season.

U.S. District Judge Suzanne B. Conlon, who last week received briefs from both sides, told lawyers in the case that she would rule today on the Cubs’ request for a preliminary injunction.

Commissioner Fay Vincent on July 6 overruled the Cubs’ veto of realignment and ordered Chicago and the St. Louis Cardinals to the NL West next season, sending the Atlanta Braves and the Cincinnati Reds to the NL East. The Cubs sued the next day, saying that Vincent’s “best interests of baseball” power couldn’t be used to order realignment.

The Cubs asked for the preliminary injunction to block realignment pending a trial.

The Minnesota Twins activated third baseman Mike Pagliarulo and purchased the contract of pitcher Paul Abbott from their triple-A Portland farm team. Pitcher Gary Wayne and outfielder J.T. Bruett were sent to Portland. . . . The Cleveland Indians optioned pitcher Jeff Mutis to triple-A Colorado Springs and recalled pitcher Rod Nichols.