Grievance Ruling Expected in July

The arbitrator hearing the grievance by baseball players against contraction will try to rule on the case by July 15.

Shyam Das, who listened to 20 days of testimony from nine witnesses from Dec. 4 to April 10, is to hear final arguments from lawyers for both sides on June 6.

He told the parties he “will make every effort” to have a decision on the case by July 15, management lawyer Rob Manfred said Thursday.

Players contend the Nov. 6 vote by owners to eliminate two teams violated their labor contract, which expired the next day. Owners, who attempted to fold Montreal and Minnesota, say they have the right to eliminate teams. Players say their consent is needed.

Meanwhile, the sides resumed collective bargaining talks Thursday, then recessed them for at least a week. Manfred said owners made proposals on about six noncore issues.

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Florida Marlin right-hander Brad Penny was removed from Thursday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals after two innings because of elbow soreness and probably will miss at least one start.

“They don’t at this point think it’s real serious,” Manager Jeff Torborg said.

Penny was examined by Cardinal doctors, who told the Marlins the injury involved nerve irritation near the triceps.

Earlier, it was announced that Torborg will serve a one-game suspension today at Milwaukee for an ejection on April 8, with Major League Baseball reducing the penalty from two games.

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Pittsburgh Pirate infielder Pat Meares said he will not have surgery on his injured left hand, which has hampered his performance at the plate since 1999.

Meares has disagreed with management about whether he should play without the surgery. Team officials say the decision has been left to Meares.

Meares, who remains on the disabled list, has two years left on his $15-million, four-year contract.