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 approximately 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.

“You’ve got a guy who’s proven it, done it, MVP,” said outfielder Mike Greenwell, one of four players who went to Manager Kevin Kennedy on Mitchell’s behalf. “It only affects me in that we’re a better ballclub.”

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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.