BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : Phillies Put Dykstra on Disabled List

Philadelphia Phillie outfielder Lenny Dykstra was put on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to Sunday because of a strained muscle in his rib cage. The Phillies activated Lee Tinsley, who had been on the disabled list because of a strained right rib cage suffered in batting practice on May 5.

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After a frustrating and painful bullpen session, Bret Saberhagen was headed to New York to have his ailing shoulder examined by Dr. David Altchek, the Mets’ physician.

The Colorado Rockies’ right-hander said Altchek would examine the shoulder in hopes of determining if reconstructive surgery is necessary to eliminate the pain that flared again Monday when Saberhagen threw 30 pitches.

“I’m hoping that it’s just inflammation and not instability,” Saberhagen said. “I’m hoping not, but there’s definitely a good possibility he’s going to say I need surgery.”

Altchek recommended reconstructive surgery shortly after repairing a torn ligament in Saberhagen’s shoulder last October. Two other doctors recommended rehabilitation to strengthen the shoulder.

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A decision on whether to charge Chicago White Sox outfielder Tony Phillips for punching a heckler in Milwaukee is being delayed, the district attorney’s office said.

If a decision isn’t made by Thursday, it won’t come until late next week because some of the participants in the case have previous commitments, a source close to the investigation said.

On Tuesday, assistant district attorney Rayann Chandler-Szychlinski interviewed Chris Hovorka, 23, of Racine, whom Phillips allegedly punched twice in the jaw during Chicago’s 20-8 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on May 15.

The prosecutor interviewed Phillips and seven other witnesses on Monday.

The Milwaukee County sheriff’s department has recommended Phillips be charged with misdemeanor battery, which carries penalties of up to nine months in jail and up to a $10,000 fine.

Hovorka could face a possible disorderly conduct charge, which carries fines of up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail.

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The Texas Rangers purchased the contract of infielder Rene Gonzales, 33, from the American Association’s Oklahoma City team. To make room for Gonzales, 31-year-old infielder Craig Worthington has been designated for assignment. The Rangers have three days to trade, release or send Worthington outright to the minor leagues.

Chris Howard, 30, was moved from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day list. The left-handed pitcher has been on the disabled list all season after having cervical fusion surgery for a bone spur and pinched nerve in his neck.

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Outfielder Bernie Williams was put on the 15-day disabled list by the New York Yankees retroactive to May 11 because of a strained left calf muscle. Tuesday’s move makes Williams eligible to be activated on Sunday. The Yankees said they will decide today on how to fill Williams’ roster spot. Yankee pitcher Jimmy Key, on the disabled list because of a stiff shoulder, pitched six innings in a rehabilitation start for Class A Tampa, giving up two runs and five hits, walked none and struck out three against Brevard County. He will start again Sunday.

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Randy Johnson will sit out two or three more weeks because of a bulging disk in his back, Seattle Mariner Manager Lou Piniella said.

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At the encouragement of a local radio talk show host, fans unfurled banners supporting Cincinnati Red owner Marge Schott before Tuesday night’s game at Riverfront Stadium. The host also offered $700 for the best banner. Several of the banners carried the station’s call letters.