Rocker Rejoins Braves Tonight

Atlanta Brave reliever John Rocker, suspended the first two weeks of the season for offending foreigners, minorities and gays, rejoins the roster tonight against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Rocker drew mostly cheers when he pitched at Turner Field in an exhibition game April 1, two days before opening day. No organized protests were scheduled in conjunction with his return, although a civil rights official once again called on the Braves to trade Rocker.

“It’s still a blemish on the Braves organization . . . and, to a certain degree, a shame for the city,” said Michael Bond, deputy director of the NAACP’s Atlanta chapter.

The Braves’ next trip begins April 28 in San Diego, but Rocker figures to receive his harshest reaction in places such as Philadelphia (May 12-14), Chicago (May 29-31) and New York, where Atlanta meets the Mets in a four-game series beginning June 29. Rocker targeted New Yorkers in an interview with Sports Illustrated that led to his suspension.

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Mark McGwire had his sore back examined again and it is uncertain when he will return to the St. Louis Cardinals’ lineup.

McGwire, who missed a weekend series in Colorado, was examined by trainer Barry Weinberg. His lower back mobility has improved and his pain has decreased and he will be reevaluated today.

J.D. Drew is also day-to-day. He had precautionary X-rays on his bruised left wrist after it was struck by a pitch from Gabe White Sunday.

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The Arizona Diamondbacks optioned outfielder David Dellucci to triple-A Tucson and activated utility player Andy Fox. . . . The Mets put right-hander Bobby Jones on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained right calf and plan to recall knuckleballer Dennis Springer today.