Ryne Sandberg was not in the starting lineup Wednesday. Luis Quinones started at second base in his place.
”Sandberg is just being rested,” said manager Gene Michael. ”With the off day Thursday, this will give him two days off.”
Michael is concerned with the impression the corking and sandpaper incidents are having on youngsters.
”We shouldn`t have young players around the country emulating (big-league) players who are cheating,” said Michael. ”It`s not good for our country. Maybe I`m an old stick-in-the-mud about it.”
Houston Astros broadcaster Milo Hamilton, who formerly worked Cub and Sox games, celebrated his 60th birthday Wednesday.
Probables for the Cincinnati series: Friday, Scott Sanderson (7-7) vs. Tom Browning (6-11); Saturday, Ed Lynch (2-8) vs. Dennis Rasmussen (0-1) and Sunday, Les Lancaster (5-1) vs. Ted Power (10-9).
