Surgery Likely for Garciaparra

Nomar Garciaparra probably will sit out at least the first 2 1/2 months of the season--and possibly up to four months--because of an injured right wrist.

The Boston Red Sox shortstop said Tuesday in Fort Myers, Fla., that the probability of surgery is “extremely high.” The two-time defending American League batting champion, who suffered a split tendon in the wrist when he was hit by a pitch from Al Reyes of the Baltimore Orioles in September 1999, is to meet with the team doctor today.

“It seems like we’ve kind of exhausted a lot of our options right now,” Garciaparra said.

Though no final decision has been made, Garciaparra sounded as if he was resigned to an operation. He’s hasn’t had an at-bat this spring.

“It’s going to be hard. It’s going to be hard not being part of baseball, period,” he said. “You’re watching your team play, and you want to be out there with them.”

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Ken Griffey Jr. will sit out the rest of spring training because of a pulled hamstring and is unsure whether he will play on opening day.

Griffey’s left hamstring was swollen a day after he slipped while rounding third base in a game Monday against the Kansas City Royals. Dr. Timothy Kremchek said it’s too early to tell whether Griffey would sit out any regular-season games.

Cincinnati opens Monday against the Atlanta Braves.

“We’re not looking at putting him on the disabled list,” Kremchek said. “Right now, I truly believe there’s a possibility he’ll play on opening day. We’re going to do everything we can to get him in the best shape we possibly can.

“On the other hand, we’re not going to do something that’s going to allow him to re-hurt himself on opening day, just to play that one particular game.”

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Carl Everett missed the team bus for the second time this spring and was sent home by Red Sox Manager Jimy Williams before an exhibition game against the New York Yankees at Tampa, Fla.

Everett, originally in the starting lineup, arrived in a private vehicle and was scratched by Williams, who has a rule that players must ride the team bus.

Williams said the outfielder will also sit out today’s game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

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John Smoltz of the Braves, who sat out all last season after reconstructive elbow surgery, will start the season on the disabled list and miss at least two starts. His spot in the rotation will be filled by left-hander Odalis Perez. . . . Despite spring training wildness, Rick Ankiel will open the season in the St. Louis Cardinals’ starting rotation and is scheduled to pitch April 7 against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Phoenix. . . . Scott Williamson, who was the National League rookie of the year as a reliever, was moved back to the bullpen when the Cincinnati Reds set their starting rotation. Williamson started 10 games last season and had hoped to stay in the rotation, but was beaten out by Chris Reitsma. . . . A man arrested after Dodger players climbed into the Wrigley Field stands and fought with fans last May sued the Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs. A lawyer for a another man involved said he will sue both teams today.