Reds Might Lose Sanders for Season

The Cincinnati Reds, who have sputtered along the fringe of the National League wild-card race for a month, may have lost outfielder Reggie Sanders for the rest of the season after he suffered torn ligaments in his right thumb in Sunday’s 6-5 loss at Florida.

“I can bend it, but I can’t grip a bat,” he said. “The pain goes down through my wrist.”

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The Detroit Tigers gave Manager Buddy Bell a vote of confidence by extending his contract through the 1998 season.

Bell, who succeeded Sparky Anderson this season, originally signed a two-year contract last November with a club option for a third year. General Manager Randy Smith said the Tigers (49-86) have picked up that option.

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The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired pitcher Jason Schmidt to complete Wednesday’s trade of pitcher Denny Neagle to the Atlanta Braves. Meanwhile, Manager Jim Leyland, despite disappointment about Pirate owner Kevin McClatchy’s plan to cut payroll and trade veterans, won’t ask to be released from a contract that would pay him about $4.4 million over the next four seasons. Leyland’s decision apparently ends speculation he has finally had enough of the Pirates’ seemingly endless rebuilding.

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Cleveland first baseman Julio Franco was back in the lineup after being activated from the 15-day disabled list. The Indians placed right-hander Dennis Martinez back on the 15-day disabled list. Martinez was activated for Tuesday’s start against Detroit, but suffered a recurrence of a strained tendon in his right elbow after throwing only 14 pitches. . . . The Oakland A’s recalled outfielder Kerwin Moore from triple-A Edmonton and sent down outfielder Phil Plantier. . . . The St. Louis Cardinals recalled pitcher Eric Ludwick from triple-A Louisville and sent down pitcher Cory Bailey to Louisville. Also, Danny Jackson will make his first start since last Aug. 11 on Sunday. The left-hander had been sidelined because of a broken ankle.