Schilling Undergoes Operation

Arizona Diamondback pitcher Curt Schilling underwent an appendectomy Saturday during the team’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals but might miss only one start.

Schilling was in pain Friday when the team arrived in St. Louis for the start of a three-game series and Manager Bob Brenly said the pain was more acute Saturday. Cardinal team doctors recommended surgery.

“Obviously it was something we couldn’t afford to put off for another couple days,” Brenly said. “The doctors that came over from the St. Louis side recommended that they do it right away.”

A team spokesman characterized the operation as a “routine procedure.” Schilling could be released from Barnes-Jewish Hospital as soon as today but probably won’t return to Arizona until Tuesday or Wednesday.

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The New York Yankees sent pitcher Jose Contreras to triple-A Columbus and recalled left-hander Randy Choate.

Contreras, who signed a $32-million, four-year contract this winter after a successful career in Cuba, was 1-0 with a 10.80 earned-run average in five appearances for the Yankees.

“I had a feeling it was coming,” Contreras said through an interpreter. “Of course I’d like to be here with this team, but unfortunately I don’t have the opportunity right now to pitch consistently.”

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Jason Marquis, considered one of the Atlanta Braves’ most promising young pitchers, was sent to the minors to make room for Mike Hampton to come off the disabled list.

Marquis has struggled since midway through last season, and the Braves decided he would be better off pitching regularly at triple-A Richmond than getting occasional appearances in long relief.

Marquis pitched in three games this season, including two starts, with no decisions.