Lieberthal Signs Big Deal

Mike Lieberthal agreed to a $22.25-million three-year contract extension with the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday. The deal includes a $7.5-million club option for 2006.

The 30-year-old catcher is a two-time All-Star and has won a Gold Glove. He is batting .292 with 14 homers and 46 runs batted in.

Lieberthal sat out most of last season because of a knee injury. He is batting .391 with eight homers and 14 RBIs in his last 24 games.

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Florida Marlin right-hander A.J. Burnett, who leads the majors with five shutouts, went on the 15-day disabled list because of an elbow bruise that could end his season. X-rays showed an acute bone bruise in Burnett’s pitching elbow, and an MRI confirmed that diagnosis.

With the team out of the playoff race, Burnett, 25, won’t be rushed back into the rotation. Burnett, 12-9 with a 3.25 earned-run average, is fourth in the majors with 183 strikeouts.