Garciaparra to Return to Field

Nomar Garciaparra begins a four-game rehabilitation assignment today as the Boston Red Sox, in a tight race in the American League East despite injuries and a mediocre trip, look forward to getting key players back.

Bret Saberhagen, who last pitched in the majors in 1999, has come back from serious shoulder problems and could start Friday night against the Chicago White Sox.

And if all goes well during his rehab assignment, Garciaparra, the two-time defending AL batting champion, might not be far behind.

Garciaparra, sidelined since surgery on his right wrist on opening day, is scheduled to play four International League games with the Pawtucket Red Sox in Indianapolis, then be reevaluated by Red Sox team physician Bill Morgan.

In contract talks, Rolando Viera, a Cuban pitcher who lost a bid for free agency, has agreed in principle with the Red Sox, his agent said. Boston selected the left-hander in the amateur draft on June 5, one day after a judge denied Viera’s request for free agency and less than two months after he arrived in the United States.

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The Philadelphia Phillies, uncomfortable using rookie catcher Johnny Estrada every day in a pennant race, acquired Todd Pratt from the New York Mets for backup catcher Gary Bennett.

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Left-hander Chuck McElroy, who was released by the Baltimore Orioles, agreed to a contract with the San Diego Padres and the team optioned right-hander Brian Tollberg to triple-A Portland. . . . The Diamondbacks put right-hander Robert Ellis and shortstop Tony Womack on the 15-day disabled list and recalled left-hander Nick Bierbrodt and infielder Alex Cintron from triple-A Tucson. . . . The Cleveland Indians put setup man Paul Shuey on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained elbow ligament. He will be out for at least six weeks. “There’s a chance he might be done for the year,” Cleveland Manager Charlie Manuel said. The Indians recalled right-hander David Riske from triple-A Buffalo. . . . Catcher Gregg Zaun, on the disabled list since the start of the season because of a torn calf muscle, was activated by the Kansas City Royals. . . . The Orioles put first baseman David Segui on the 15-day disabled list after waiting a week for him to recover from a sprained knee ligament. . . . The Pittsburgh Pirates sent reliever Rich Loiselle to triple-A Nashville and activated second baseman Pat Meares.

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The Orioles and Texas Rangers will play a doubleheader Wednesday at Arlington, Texas, then play Monday in Baltimore to make up games postponed by a train derailment at Camden Yards.