Sosa Says Lima Didn’t Help

Chicago Cub star Sammy Sosa was angered about a published report that questioned whether compatriot Jose Lima threw an easy pitch on purpose during the Houston Astros’ lopsided victory the previous day.

Sosa, who entered Monday’s game with 51 homers, two behind Mark McGwire in the chase of Roger Maris’ record of 61, hit two solo homers Sunday off Lima, his friend from the Dominican Republic.

“This is not a gift, it’s about going out there and playing,” Sosa said referring to a report in the Chicago Tribune. “I’ve been hitting home runs all year long. It’s disappointing to read that. This is not about friendship. Nobody gives you nothing. This is baseball, it’s not about friendship or relationships.”

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All-Star shortstop Edgar Renteria will go on the 15-day disabled list today.

Renteria bruised his right knee Monday sliding into second with his 40th stolen base during a 7-4 loss to San Francisco. He’ll be replaced on the roster by shortstop Alex Gonzalez from triple-A Charlotte.

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Florida Marlin Manager Jim Leyland doesn’t plan on pitching around Mark McGwire when the Marlins play at St. Louis today and Wednesday.

With the Marlins, however, things don’t always go as planned.

“We’ll pitch to him,” Leyland said. “We may not throw strikes, but we’ll pitch to him.”