Garciaparra Puts Shoulder to Test

In a game that served as a testing ground for shortstop Nomar Garciaparra’s injured shoulder, Jose Flores’ RBI single capped a four-run ninth inning that gave the Boston Red Sox a 4-3 victory over the Eastern League’s Trenton Thunder in an exhibition Wednesday night at Trenton, N.J.

Garciaparra, on the disabled list since May 13 because of a mild shoulder separation, played six innings. Although he said it felt good after the game, Garciaparra was unsure whether he will be activated for today’s game in New York.

*

Milwaukee Brewer catcher Mike Matheny, his face swollen and discolored, started against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Milwaukee, much to the amazement of fans and teammates.

Matheny needed four stitches inside his left cheek after Pirate closer Rich Loiselle’s pitch struck him in the ninth inning of Milwaukee’s 3-2 victory Tuesday night.

*

One night after hitting a grand slam, Atlanta Brave catcher Javy Lopez signed a three-year contract extension for $19.25 million.

The extension takes effect next year, ensuring the 27-year-old Lopez remains with the Braves through 2001.

*

Chicago Cub catcher Sandy Martinez was suspended for two games and Atlanta outfielder Curtis Pride was suspended for one game by the National League, two days after their collision led to a bench-clearing brawl.

Pride served his penalty Wednesday night when the Braves played Montreal.

Martinez was to miss games tonight against Philadelphia and Friday against Atlanta, but the Cubs said he will contest the suspension.

Both players also were fined an undisclosed amount.

*

There was more roster juggling for the St. Louis Cardinals, who put rookie pitcher Mike Busby and utility infielder David Howard on the 15-day disabled list.

Busby, 5-1 with a 4.97 earned-run average, strained an elbow ligament in Monday’s start against Colorado, leaving with two out in the fifth. Howard, batting .237 with two homers and 11 RBIs, hurt his left shoulder diving for a ball in foul territory last Friday.

*

An examination of Jimmy Key’s left shoulder showed no new tears and the pitcher is expected to be able to rejoin the Baltimore Orioles’ rotation next month.

Key, who is 4-3 with a 4.06 ERA in 10 starts, was put on the 15-day disabled list Sunday because of stiffness in his left shoulder.

Key underwent an arthrogram in Baltimore on Tuesday morning.