Mariners’ Martinez Put on Disabled List

The Seattle Mariners put all-star designated hitter Edgar Martinez on the 15-day disabled list Monday night because of a strained left quadriceps muscle.

Martinez, the No. 3 hitter in Seattle’s lineup, was injured in the first inning of Sunday night’s victory over Arizona when he took off for second base on a hit-and-run play with John Olerud.

Martinez remained in the game, but was removed for a pinch-hitter in the third inning.

The Mariners recalled left-hander John Halama from the minors to take Martinez’s spot on the roster.

The 38-year-old Martinez was batting .299 with 14 homers and 70 RBIs in 84 games.

The Mariners expect Martinez to return to the lineup in two weeks, although there is no need to rush him.

Seattle has the best record in the majors and a huge lead over Oakland in the AL West, so the team said it wants to be cautious with Martinez’s injury.

“I think this is probably the best approach,” Manager Lou Piniella said.

Martinez was scheduled to undergo an MRI test today.

“It’s a moderately severe strain,” Mariner team doctor Larry Pedegana said. “He’s quite tender. It’s anticipated he’ll be out a couple of weeks.”

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Timo Perez, considered a bright prospect by the New York Mets after a strong postseason, was optioned to triple-A Norfolk to make room for Tsuyoshi Shinjo, who was activated from the disabled list. Perez is hitting .247 with two home runs and 19 runs batted in. . . . The Chicago Cubs put left fielder Rondell White on the disabled list and activated reliever Courtney Duncan. White has been nursing a strained groin much of the last month. . . . The Arizona Diamondbacks recalled catcher Rod Barajas from triple-A Tucson and optioned catcher Chad Moeller to Tucson. . . . Cleveland outfielder Ellis Burks missed Monday night’s game against the Houston Astros because of a hairline fracture in his right thumb. Burks injured the thumb when he was hit by a pitch from Astro reliever Octavio Dotel on Sunday.

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Rick Ankiel, trying to regain his control in the minors, walked none and struck out 14 in seven innings for Johnson City of the Appalachian League.

He lost 3-1 to Danville at Danville, Va., despite pitching well. Ankiel gave up three hits and two runs. He had no wild pitches, but he did hit two batters.

The St. Louis Cardinals demoted Ankiel in May, first to triple-A Memphis and then to extended spring training in Jupiter, Fla. He has been with Johnson City since June 19.

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Jose Rijo wants to pitch in the majors, but the Cincinnati Reds aren’t ready to give him the chance yet.

The 36-year-old pitcher insisted Monday that he’s ready to join a Cincinnati pitching staff that includes three rookie starters and has given up the most hits in the National League.

He’s running out of patience and is considering ending his comeback if the Reds make him stay in the minors.

“Without offending anybody, I’ve got good stuff,” he said, standing in a corner of the clubhouse where most of the pitchers dress. “I’m not going to be a superstar, but I’m going to be doing better than other people here.”

Rijo gave up five hits and two runs in four innings Saturday for triple-A Louisville. It was the third minor league start in his comeback, but the first at triple-A.

General Manager Jim Bowden wants him to make at least two more starts to improve his stamina.