Manuel Hospitalized With Stomach Pain

Cleveland Indian Manager Charlie Manuel went to a hospital Saturday after complaining of stomach pain when he arrived at Safeco Field for a game against the Seattle Mariners.

The 57-year-old Manuel had “a minor abdominal problem” and probably will be hospitalized one or two days at Swedish Hospital, Dr. Dan Frank said.

Manuel has a history of stomach problems, including an infected colon during spring training in 2000.

He had eight inches of his colon removed in surgery in February 2000 and had to have his colon reattached in May 2000. He missed 13 games from May 4-17, 2000.

Dr. Louis Keppler, director of medical services for the team, and head trainer Paul Spicuzza recommended Manuel go to the hospital shortly after he arrived at the ballpark about 9 a.m.

“We hope he just got ahold of some bad food,” said bench coach Grady Little, who managed the Indians Saturday and also filled in when Manuel was hospitalized last season. “He had an upset stomach last night. With his history of last year, they’re not taking any chances.”

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Kerry Wood said he is on track for a return next Saturday. The Chicago Cub right-handed pitcher said his throwing program is progressing and he’s not feeling any pain. Sidelined since Aug. 3 with tendinitis in his right shoulder, he got a cortisone shot earlier this week.

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Tampa Bay Devil Ray left-hander Wilson Alvarez, who has not pitched in the majors since Sept. 1999, experienced stiffness in his surgically repaired left shoulder during his last minor league start and will not pitch again this season.

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Dewon Brazelton, taken by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays as the third pick in the June draft, signed a $4.8-million, four-year contract. Brazelton, a right-handed pitcher from Middle Tennessee State, received a major league deal and will join the Devil Rays when rosters are expanded Saturday. . . . Left-handed pitcher Jeremy Sowers moved into his dorm room at Vanderbilt, leaving little chance that he’ll sign with the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds will lose rights to their top draft pick when he attends his first class on Wednesday. Sowers, from Ballard High in Louisville, Ky., was the 20th pick in the June draft. . . . A $5-million palimony lawsuit was filed against New York Yankee outfielder David Justice by the mother of his 20-month-old son. Justice has called the suit’s claims untruthful.