Red Sox Shortstop Sidelined

All-star shortstop Nomar Garciaparra was put on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday by the Boston Red Sox after an MRI showed swelling in his surgically repaired right wrist.

“The good news is there is nothing damaged,” Garciaparra said in a statement issued by the team. “But the bad news is that the inflammation increased to the point where I have to shut it down completely and let it heal.”

Garciaparra’s loss comes as the Red Sox enter a critical stretch in their quest for a postseason spot.

After consulting with team doctors, Garciaparra decided it was best to rest his wrist.

Red Sox Manager Joe Kerrigan said there was no discussion about Garciaparra missing the rest of the season.

Lou Merloni was recalled from triple-A Pawtucket to take Garciaparra’s roster spot.

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The Houston Astros placed right-hander Pedro Astacio on the 15-day disabled list and called up infielder Adam Everett from triple-A New Orleans to fill his spot.

An MRI on Astacio’s right shoulder this week revealed no structural damage.

Anti-inflammatory medicine was prescribed on Monday, but the shoulder remains inflamed.

General Manager Gerry Hunsicker said Astacio could return within 10 days.

Astacio, 2-1 with a 3.14 earned-run average in four starts for Houston, missed Sunday’s scheduled start against the Pittsburgh Pirates because of right shoulder stiffness.

He was acquired July 31 from the Colorado Rockies. Overall, he is 8-14 this season with a 5.09 ERA in 26 starts.

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The Montreal Expos suspended injury-plagued pitcher Hideki Irabu for seven days without pay for failing to respect the terms of his contract.

Irabu, in the midst of a rehabilitation stint with triple-A Ottawa, has been out of the Expo lineup since June 13 with a strained right elbow.

Larry Beinfest, Expo assistant general manager, would not disclose details of the suspension Wednesday.

“Irabu can’t take part in Lynx games and he won’t be paid,” Beinfest said. “That’s all we can say for now.”

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Baltimore Oriole pitcher Sidney Ponson will miss his next start, and maybe one more, because of a sore muscle in his pitching arm.

Ponson strained a muscle in his right arm Tuesday night pitching against the Oakland Athletics.

He was removed after allowing six runs in four innings, his 10th consecutive start without a victory.