The Red Sox lineup battles injuries

Boston Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez throws against the Pittsburgh Pirates during their spring training game in Fort Myers, Florida, Friday. PHOTO: REUTERS

The Boston Red Sox will have to reshuffle their lineup for a while after finding out Friday that outfielder Trot Nixon will be out until May and shortstop Nomar Garciaparra might miss opening day.

Nixon sidelined because of a mildly herniated disc in his back. He has not played at all in spring training.

Garciaparra an exam that showed mild tendinitis in his right Achilles' tendon.

The Red Sox hope Garciaparra can play in a game in two weeks, coming very close to Boston's opener in Baltimore on April 4. General manager Theo Epstein was optimistic after tests indicated both should fully recover.

"Nomar will be back by opening day and Trot will be back some time in early May and we can withstand that," Epstein said. "They're both being treated conservatively."

Manager Terry Francona plans to use Gabe Kapler and Kevin Millar, the regular first baseman, in right field until Nixon returns. If Garciaparra isn't ready by opening day, second baseman Pokey Reese will play shortstop.

David Ortiz, Boston's designated hitter, figures to see more time at first base, which could provide more at-bats for DH Ellis Burks. Mark Bellhorn is the primary backup infielder.

Garciaparra a removable boot on his right foot on Friday that ended about 15cm below the knee. The device immobilizes the area.

"I still plan on being there opening day," he said. "The good thing is it's happening now and not in the middle of the season."

The exam showed no injury to the tendon or the bone, but the inflammation is in an area that is slow to heal, Garciaparra said.

"It was feeling all right and it obviously showed that it wasn't ready," he said. "It just got aggravated even more."

Elsewhere, players' union head Donald Fehr said he never expected commissioner Bud Selig would try to immediately implement tougher testing policies and punishments related to steroid use.

There had been speculation Selig might use his "best interests of the game" powers to modify the steroid policies in the existing labor agreement between players and owners.

"I don't think it was ever seriously considered. I never treated it seriously," Fehr said after visiting Cleveland players at Winter Haven, Florida.

Fehr the union had not closed the door to modifying the steroid-testing provisions in the agreement with owners that expires in 2006. He stressed that discussing potential modifications and reopening the entire agreement are not one and the same.

"It's a bare-bones legal question," Fehr said. "Your landlord can't raise your rent if you have a lease that states what the rent is. But you can agree to pay more rent if you wish."

Red Sox 11, Pirates 8

At Fort Myers, Florida, Pedro Martinez struck out seven in four innings and Manny Ramirez went 3-for-3 for Boston.

Martinez two hits, two walks and one unearned run and left with the Red Sox leading 9-3.

Ramirez just 5-for-29 entering the game but had two singles, a double and three RBIs.

Mariners 8, Giants 5

At Scottsdale, Arizona, Barry Bonds hit his first two home runs of the spring. The six-time MVP has been bothered by back trouble since arriving in Arizona, sitting out for several days after tweaking his lower back in batting practice last week.