BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJOR LEAGUES : DeShields Has Chicken Pox

The Montreal Expos temporarily lost Delino DeShields on Wednesday when the second baseman was found to have chicken pox.

Four of the Expos’ triple-A players had chicken pox during spring training. DeShields is the first major leaguer to contract the disease.

The Expos were trying to determine whether other players might be susceptible. They will wait at least another day before deciding whether to put DeShields on the disabled list.

“Hopefully, he’s the only who has it,” Manager Felipe Alou said.

The New York Yankees put right-hander Melido Perez on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 1, and purchased the contract of left-hander Neal Heaton. Perez had been scheduled to start opening day until he strained his left hip in an exhibition game last week.