Devil Rays rookie Elijah Dukes was held out of the lineup Wednesday following a published report that his estranged wife sought a restraining order after being threatened by the 22-year-old outfielder.
The St. Petersburg Times reported NiShea Gilbert filed for court protection after receiving a threatening message on her cell phone May 2, as well as a text message that included a picture of a handgun.
The Devil Rays said they were aware Dukes’ marriage was ending but that the allegations detailed in the story caught the team by surprise.
Extra innings
After being examined by four doctors over the last few weeks, Carl Pavano is headed for reconstructive elbow surgery, potentially ending his unproductive stint with the Yankees and making the $40 million contract he signed before the 2005 season a bust. . . Former closer Troy Percival, who last pitched in 2005 when a forearm injury appeared to end his career, has asked the Angels to release him from his minor-league coaching contract so he can try to pitch again in the majors. . . Diamondbacks left-hander Randy Johnson will miss his next start Friday with tendinitis in his forearm. . . . Brewers starter Ben Sheets, who left Tuesday night’s victory because of a blister on the top of his middle finger, felt good enough Wednesday to hit a home run in batting practice.
