Reds Put Griffey on Disabled List

Ken Griffey Jr. went on the 15-day disabled list Monday night after a test found inflammation in a tendon behind his right knee.

The Cincinnati center fielder missed his fifth straight game with the injury, getting an MRI exam instead. He was put on the DL after a 9-1 victory over the Florida Marlins.

“You don’t want it to get worse,” Dr. Timothy Kremchek said. “The season’s young. I think he’s got peace of mind, and we’ve got peace of mind.”

Griffey ran on a treadmill for 12 minutes earlier Monday and reported some improvement but still felt tightness behind the knee.

The Reds are expected to activate catcher Jason LaRue before today’s game. LaRue has been on a minor league assignment while recovering from knee surgery.

*

The Houston Astros have sued an insurance company claiming breach of contract because the team’s claim to recoup $15.6 million of injured first baseman Jeff Bagwell’s contract was denied.

The lawsuit against Connecticut General Life Insurance Co. was filed in Harris County District Court, Astro lawyer Wayne Fisher said.

“We believe it’s absolutely unfair and unjust that they just arbitrarily say they won’t pay,” Fisher said. “There could be no question in anyone’s view that he is suffering from a disability.”

In January, the Astros deemed Bagwell too injured to play. They filed the claim the same month to try to get back most of the $17 million Bagwell will earn in the final year of his contract.

*

Washington right-hander Ryan Drese will not need surgery but is expected to miss at least four weeks because of a right elbow injury.... The New York Mets optioned outfielder Victor Diaz to triple-A Norfolk and recalled left-handed reliever Pedro Feliciano.... The Florida Marlins put rookie outfielder Jeremy Hermida and right-hander Carlos Martinez on the 15-day disabled list and recalled right-hander Randy Messenger and outfielder Matt Cepicky from triple-A Albuquerque.... The Kansas City Royals recalled right-hander Joel Peralta from triple-A Omaha and put right-hander Steve Stemle on the 15-day disabled list with a right elbow strain.... Cleveland Manager Eric Wedge missed Monday’s game against Detroit because of the birth of his first child earlier in the day.