More Tests for Chipper Jones’ Foot

The Atlanta Braves’ Chipper Jones is scheduled to see a specialist today about his injured right foot, and Manager Bobby Cox said the reports don’t sound encouraging.

Tests have revealed that Jones has a partial tear of the plantar plate of his right second toe and an inflamed ligament.

“He’s got a little tear in there, right?” Cox said. “I don’t think that’s good news.”

The injury is not believed to be as severe as the torn tendon in his left foot that caused Jones to sit out 37 games last season. He was available to pinch-hit Tuesday night, Cox said.

John Gleason, an Atlanta foot specialist who worked with Jones last season, is scheduled to examine him. Cox said he is braced for this to be a long-term concern even if Jones is able to play through the injury.

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Boston pitcher Matt Clement cut short his first minor league rehabilitation start after one inning with the Gulf Coast League Red Sox after hurting his biceps. Also, left fielder Manny Ramirez is not expected to play in next week’s All-Star game because of knee soreness. An official announcement could come soon.... Needing a fresh arm, the New York Mets purchased pitcher Jose Lima’s contract from triple-A Norfolk and optioned reliever Heath Bell to their top farm club. Lima was 0-3 with an 8.79 earned-run average in three starts for the NL East-leading Mets from May 7-20. But since then, the right-hander had pitched fairly well at Norfolk, with a 4-2 record and a 3.86 ERA in seven starts.