Vaughn May Be Sidelined Six Weeks

Boston first baseman Mo Vaughn is scheduled to have knee surgery today and that could deprive the last-place Red Sox of their best hitter for six weeks.

The arthroscopic procedure is intended to repair torn cartilage on the outer side of Vaughn’s left knee, which locked up when he slid into home plate Sunday night and remained locked Monday morning, team physician Dr. Arthur Pappas said.

Pappas said the 1995 American League MVP will miss two to six weeks. But he predicted it would be closer to six weeks because Vaughn’s left knee is critical to his powerful swing.

Meanwhile, outfielder Wilfredo Cordero did not play for the sixth consecutive game after he was charged with beating and threatening to kill his wife.

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The Toronto Blue Jays released outfielder Ruben Sierra and recalled second baseman Tomas Perez from the minors. . . . The Minnesota Twins plan to promote LaTroy Hawkins from triple-A as they try to find a reliable fifth starter and he will pitch tonight against the Pittsburgh Pirates. . . . Roberto Alomar will donate a portion money he earned during his suspension this season to buy tickets for children to attend Baltimore Orioles’ home games. Alomar said plans to play host to 4,000 children over the next two seasons. More than $36,000 will be donated to the “Alomar’s All-Stars” ticket program and the Baltimore Baseball League. . . . New York Yankee pitching prospect Hideki Irabu was moved up to double-A Norwich and will mike his first start Friday. . . . The Kansas City Royals said they would place outfielders Joe Vitiello and Bip Roberts on the 15-day disabled list today and recall outfielder Jermaine Dye and activate pitcher Chris Haney.