East: The Atlanta Braves, looking for help for their starting rotation, signed veteran right-hander John Burkett to a contract. Burkett, who spent the last three-plus seasons with the Texas Rangers, was released earlier in the day bythe Tampa Bay Devil Rays, who had signed him to a minor league contract.
Central: Mark McGwire was removed with stiffness in his back in the third inning of the St. Louis Cardinals’ 3-1 win over the Montreal Expos. McGwire “just said he felt achy all over and couldn’t get loose,” manager Tony La Russa said. Outfielder J.D. Drew was hit on his right pinkie by a pitch from Scott Strickland in the sixth inning. His status was uncertain. . . . Pete Harnisch wasn’t thrilled with how he pitched on the day he was designated as the Cincinnati Reds’ opening-day starter. Harnisch gave up three runs in six innings, including an RBI single and a sacrifice fly by Nomar Garciaparra, as the Boston Red Sox beat the Reds 4-3.
West: The Colorado Rockies sent center-fielder Edgard Clemente, the 24-year-old nephew of Hall of Fame outfielder Roberto Clemente, to Anaheim for minor league outfielder Norm Hutchins and catcher Jason Dewey. The Angels also will receive a player to be named. . . . The San Diego Padres optioned highly touted catcher Ben Davis to Class AAA Las Vegas, clearing the way for veteran Carlos Hernandez to start and leaving rookie Wiki Gonzalez as the backup. . . . Jerry Dipoto, who has a bulging disk below his neck, threw comfortably from about 180 feet and could be ready to pitch for the Colorado Rockies by their home opener April 10.
