Mets’ Brogna Out for Three Weeks

New York Met first baseman Rico Brogna has a partial tear of the medial collateral ligament of the right knee and will be sidelined for three weeks. The Mets feared the injury was more serious. No surgery is required for Brogna, who led the Mets last season with 22 home runs and 76 RBIs and batted .289.

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As expected, the Boston Red Sox announced the signing of former National League MVP Kevin Mitchell. The deal will bring the controversial Mitchell anywhere from $250,000 to $1.75 million, depending on how much he plays.

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New York Yankee second basemen Pat Kelly had an MRI on his right shoulder, the same one on which he had arthroscopic surgery in October, and it revealed tendinitis. Kelly is undergoing anti-inflammatory medication and will rest for 10 days. . . . The Cincinnati Reds released outfielder Brian Hunter, a move that could save the club $700,000. . . . The Chicago White Sox renewed the contract of pitcher Jason Bere, who was 8-15 with a 7.19 earned-run average in 27 starts last season. . . . The San Diego Padres renewed the contract of pitcher Ron Villone at $130,000. Villone was acquired by the Padres in last summer’s trade that sent Andy Benes to Seattle.