Padres Getting Closer to Harnisch

San Diego Padre General Manager Kevin Towers has changed his travel plans and will accompany the team from Colorado to Cincinnati, which may prompt further trade talks regarding pitcher Pete Harnisch.

Towers was to visit the Padres’ Class-A team in Idaho Falls, but decided to go to Cincinnati so he can meet with Reds General Manager Jim Bowden. The Padres, leaders of the NL West, open a three-game series against the Reds on Friday night.

During the All-Star break, the Padres discussed a three-way deal with Detroit and Cincinnati. Under that proposal, the Padres would acquire Harnisch, the Tigers would get Padre right-hander Joey Hamilton and the Reds would get prospects from Detroit.

*

New York Met left-hander Al Leiter, on the disabled list since June 27 because of a partial tear of a tendon in his left knee, will start Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies. . . . Designated hitter Reggie Jefferson was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain and replaced on the Boston Red Sox roster by outfielder Keith Mitchell.

*

The Green Monster won’t be quite so green for the next year. The Boston Red Sox have decorated it with the logo of the 1999 All-Star Game, which will be held in Fenway Park. The game is tentatively scheduled for July 8.