Report Says Feds Got Bonds’ Files

Federal prosecutors obtained Barry Bonds’ medical files as part of their investigation into whether the slugger perjured himself when he said he never knowingly used steroids, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Saturday.

Two people familiar with the probe told the Chronicle that the U.S. attorney’s office received the records Wednesday in response to a subpoena issued to the San Francisco Giants, Bonds’ team. The sources requested anonymity because of the investigation’s sensitivity.

U.S. Atty. Kevin Ryan said Thursday his office still was pursuing an “ongoing steroid-related investigation” even though a federal grand jury considering possible perjury and tax-evasion charges against Bonds expired that day without an indictment. A new grand jury is expected to be impaneled Thursday.

Ryan said he had postponed his decision on whether to seek an indictment of Bonds “in light of some recent developments.” The receipt of the medical records was one of those developments, sources told the Chronicle. The records are believed to include information about three operations Bonds had last season to treat his right knee, as well as surgery for an elbow injury in 1999.

Prosecutors subpoenaed the documents nearly two months ago, but Bonds’ attorneys went to federal court to stop the government from obtaining the records before prosecutors prevailed.

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Boston put starting pitcher Tim Wakefield on the 15-day disabled list because of a stress fracture in the area of his rib cage. The move is retroactive to Tuesday.... Cincinnati put left-hander Kent Mercker on the 15-day disabled list because of a sore elbow.... San Diego acquired right-hander Scott Williamson from the Chicago Cubs for two minor league pitchers.