Lowell Returns From Cancer

Testicular cancer gave Florida Marlin rookie third baseman Mike Lowell a scare, a new perspective and an extra reason to savor his National League debut.

Less than 24 hours after being recalled from triple-A, Lowell was in the lineup for Saturday night’s game against the Cincinnati Reds. He went 0 for four with two strikeouts and an error in the Marlins’ 8-1 loss.

His season was sidetracked by surgery Feb. 21 to remove a small testicular mass found during a routine physical examination.

“From a life perspective, things have been put in their place because of this,” said Lowell, 25. “From a baseball standpoint, I don’t think my attitude has changed.

“I’m not one to be complacent. I’m going to be aggressive on the field. This is kind of like survival of the fittest.”

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Atlanta Brave pitcher John Smoltz said he felt no pain in his right elbow after throwing 75-80 pitches in a simulated game and hoped to return to the starting rotation Wednesday.

Smoltz has been the best pitcher for the Braves this year, starting 5-0 before losing on May 10 to San Francisco. He has a 2.59 earned-run average.

The Braves put him on the 15-day disabled list because of an inflamed right elbow on May 17.

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Cleveland Indian pitcher Jaret Wright said his poor start Friday night against the Boston Red Sox may have been partially caused by AL President Gene Budig’s request that Wright appear next week to discuss his behavior on the mound.

Wright, who earlier this season was suspended for five games for hitting Red Sox outfielder Darren Lewis, was ordered to meet with Budig after being fined this week for his role in a brawl with the Detroit Tigers.

Wright gave up eight runs and nine hits in a season-low 3 2/3 innings in Boston’s 12-5 victory.

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Texas pitcher Mike Morgan missed Saturday night’s scheduled start against the Minnesota Twins because of swelling in his right shin. . . . Florida first baseman Derrek Lee, who had the lowest batting average (.190) of any regular in the major leagues, was optioned to triple-A Calgary. The Marlins will purchase the contract of Tim Hyers from Calgary today.