Isringhausen Probably Out for Year

Cardinals closer Jason Isringhausen probably will miss the rest of the season because of a bad left hip, St. Louis pitching coach Dave Duncan said Saturday.

“I don’t expect that Izzy’s going to pitch anymore,” Duncan said after a 6-1 victory over San Francisco. “I think it’s just determining what to do.”

Isringhausen has not pitched since Sept. 6, when he blew his career-high 10th save chance in 43 tries for the National League Central leaders.

Isringhausen had a discouraging bullpen session Friday in his first attempt at throwing since a cortisone shot Monday, and said his hip still hindered him. He said he planned to meet with Duncan, General Manager Walt Jocketty and Manager Tony La Russa to decide the next step.

The right-hander had hip surgery in October 2004 after posting a career-best 47 saves for the NL champions, and probably will need another operation. He’s signed for next year and the Cardinals have an option for 2008.

Isringhausen, 4-8 with a 3.55 earned-run average in 59 games, was unavailable for comment.

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Mariano Rivera threw 26 pitches in a bullpen session, the first time since Aug. 31 the New York Yankees closer worked off a mound.

Rivera, sidelined by a muscle strain near his right elbow, is scheduled for another bullpen session Tuesday and could be pitching in games by the end of next week, Manager Joe Torre said.

Rivera said through team spokesman Rick Cerrone he felt fine after the outing.

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Cincinnati Reds hitting coach Chris Chambliss was suspended for one game and fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Baseball for arguing balls and strikes.

He was to sit out Saturday’s game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Chambliss was ejected in the ninth inning by plate umpire Rob Drake during Thursday’s 4-2 loss to San Diego.