Padres Put Joyner on Disabled List

The first-place San Diego Padres were dealt their first big setback when they learned that first baseman Wally Joyner will be out for at least six weeks because of a fractured left thumb.

Joyner, who was hitting .321, broke his thumb while sliding into second base in the fourth inning of Sunday’s loss at Philadelphia.

He had an MRI exam late Monday afternoon to determine if there is any ligament damage. Joyner was placed on the 15-day disabled list and the Padres recalled left-handed reliever Ron Villone from triple-A Las Vegas.

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Pitcher Greg Swindell was placed on waivers by the Houston Astros, who want to give him his unconditional release.

Swindell appeared in eight games for the Astros, posting an 0-3 record with a 7.83 earned run average.

The Astros recalled pitcher Billy Wagner from triple-A Tucson.

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The Cincinnati Reds placed outfielder Eric Anthony on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to June 1, because of a torn left quadriceps muscle. The Reds recalled former Angel infielder Eduardo Perez from triple-A Indianapolis. He will return to Indianapolis when pitcher Kevin Jarvis is called up to start Wednesday.