Told he could start hitting, Jim Thome headed from Philadelphia straight to spring training.
Thome broke the right middle finger on his throwing hand during fielding drills on March 5. He initially was concerned he might need pins inserted into the finger, which would have sidelined him for up to two months.
PHOTO: REUTERS
The slugger will wear a special splint on his finger for two weeks and his activity will be limited. He could return to the Phillies' lineup later this week, and expects to play in the season opener against Pittsburgh on April 5.
At Winter Haven, Florida, Ugueth Urbina on Monday took a physical for the Cleveland Indians, who last week learned closer Bob Wickman would miss the first half of the season because of a sprained elbow.
"We are not at the stage where we are discussing terms, nor are we anywhere close to it," Indians general manager Mark Shapiro said.
The 30-year-old Urbina was 3-4 with a 2.81 ERA last season and converted 32 of 38 save opportunities for Texas and Florida. He saved four games for Florida during the postseason.
In Lakeland, Florida, the New York Yankees said right-hander Jon Lieber, who will start the season on the disabled list with an injured right groin, might not be ready to pitch until May. The Yankees will need a fifth starter only a couple of times in April.
"I don't think we need to push it," manager Joe Torre said. "We need to make sure that it's right."
In Jupiter, Florida, the Florida Marlins said center fielder Juan Pierre will miss just a few days of workouts because of a dislocated right pinkie.
Pierre was examined by team hand specialist Dr. Brian Fingado on Monday. If tests had revealed ligament damage or a more serious injury, Pierre could have been sidelined for six weeks or more.
"I should be good to go for opening day," said Pierre, who led the majors with 65 stolen bases last season for the World Series champions. He was hurt Sunday while sliding headfirst on a steal attempt in a spring training game against the New York Mets.
Later in the day, Andy Pettitte outpitched Josh Beckett -- five months too late to do Pettitte any good.
In a rematch of the starters in Game 6 of the World Series, Pettitte led the Houston Astros over the Florida Marlins 3-0.
Pettitte allowed two runs in seven innings for the New York Yankees in the Oct. 25 matchup. Beckett pitched a five-hitter in the 2-0 win that gave Florida the title and earned him the World Series MVP award.
On Monday, Pettitte allowed three hits over six innings. Beckett matched him through the first five, then allowed three runs in the sixth after Phil Hiatt doubled on a fly ball that left fielder Jeff Conine lost in the sun.
Beckett and Pettitte chatted on the field briefly before the game, the first conversation between the two Texas residents since the World Series. Pettitte left the Yankees during the offseason to sign with the Astros.
"He said, `Good job last year,'" Beckett recounted.
"I walk out on the field and he was throwing in the outfield and I said, `Wow!" Pettitte recalled.
Yankees 13, Tigers 3
At Lakeland, Florida, Alex Rodriguez made a diving stop to rob Ivan Rodriguez of a double down the third-base line, then stepped on the base and threw to first for a double play. Bubba Crosby boosted his long-shot bid to make New York's roster with an inside-the-park grand slam off Jamie Walker in a five-run fourth.
Dodgers 3, Red Sox 2
At Vero Beach, Florida, Odalis Perez allowed three hits in five scoreless innings. Boston's Curt Schilling gave up one run and four hits in 5 2-3 innings while striking out four and walking one.
Twins 11, Pirates 7
At Bradenton, Florida, Minnesota's Johan Santana allowed four runs in the first inning. Pittsburgh's Kris Benson gave up four runs and four hits in the first two innings, then finished off with three scoreless innings.
Cardinals 7, Braves 2
At Kissimmee, Florida, Woody Williams allowed only one hit -- Andruw Jones' solo homer -- and struck out two over two innings in his second spring training start. Williams has been slowed by shoulder tendinitis
Indians 11, Reds 4
At Winter Haven, Florida, Jason Stanford gave up a leadoff homer to Javier Valentin in the second, then induced an inning-ending groundout from Barry Larkin with the bases loaded.
Phillies 5, Devil Rays 4
At St. Petersburg, Florida, Jason Michaels hit a two-run homer, and Shawn Wooten went 3-for-4 and drove in two runs.
Diamondbacks 3, Mariners 2
At Tucson, Arizona, Randy Johnson allowed a first-inning homer to Bret Boone, then allowed just four more hits during the rest of his six-inning stint.
Rockies 1, Padres 0
At Peoria, Arizona, Shawn Estes and three relievers combined on a five-hitter, and Kit Pellow hit a sacrifice fly.
Brewers 6, White Sox 2
Lyle Overbay hit a solo homer off Esteban Loaiza, ending a 37-inning scoreless streak for Milwaukee.
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