Plantier, Nieves Traded by Tigers

The Detroit Tigers, desperately needing prospects, traded pitcher Sean Bergman and outfielder Phil Plantier in separate deals with Oakland and San Diego.

In exchange for Plantier, the Tigers acquired shortstop Fausto Cruz and right-hander Ramon Fermin from the A’s.

Bergman was sent to the Padres along with right-hander Cade Gaspar and outfielder Todd Steverson, for catcher Raul Casanova, outfielder Melvin Nieves and right-handed reliever Richie Lewis.

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Philadelphia All-Star pitcher Tyler Green might need season-ending shoulder surgery, the club said. . . . Colorado catcher Jayhawk Owens could miss up to two months after spraining his left thumb sliding. . . . The Boston Red Sox ended their Jose Canseco-in-the-outfield experiment after he complained of arm soreness. Canseco will be the full-time designated hitter. . . . Jeff Russell, who spent most of 1995 hampered by back trouble, signed a minor-league contract with the Texas Rangers. . . . President Clinton will throw out the first ball at Camden Yards on April 1 when the Baltimore Orioles open the season against Kansas City.