McGwire Injury Lingers

The St. Louis Cardinals are not optimistic that they’ll be activating Mark McGwire on Sept. 1 when active rosters expand from 25 players to 40.

“It hasn’t really improved much and he’s been doing everything for it,” Manager Tony La Russa said Wednesday.

McGwire last played July 6, taking himself out of a game because of a severe case of patella tendinitis in his right knee.

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Ken Griffey Jr. argued with Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Brennaman before the Cincinnati Reds’ game Wednesday because of recent criticism that Griffey doesn’t run hard to first base.

During a conversation that became profanity-laced, Brennaman said he would continue to criticize Griffey whenever he gave less than his best effort.

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Outfielder Tyrell Godwin, a supplemental first-round draft pick by the Texas Rangers in June, rejected the team’s contract offer and returned for his final semester at North Carolina.