Sore Shoulder Puts Daal on Sidelines

Baltimore Oriole left-hander Omar Daal is headed to the disabled list because of a sore shoulder that could keep him sidelined up to a month.

Daal experienced pain in his left shoulder Tuesday while throwing on the sideline. An MRI exam revealed fraying around the rotator cuff but no tear.

“Typical pitcher things in there,” Oriole vice president Jim Beattie said Thursday.

Charles Silberstein, the Oriole team physician, examined the MRI exam and suggested exploratory arthroscopic surgery. Daal, 33, will receive a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews on Monday in Birmingham, Ala.

*

The Houston Astros acquired third baseman Mike Lamb from the New York Yankees for minor league right-hander Juan DeLeon. Lamb competed for the Yankee third base job until they traded for reigning American League most valuable player Alex Rodriguez, who shifted from shortstop.

*

Mark Prior may be ready to start during the opening homestand, as the Chicago Cubs contend, but not if his rehabilitation progress doesn’t accelerate.

Prior’s bullpen session was postponed indefinitely to allow him more time to recover from the soreness in his right Achilles’ tendon.

Pitching coach Larry Rothschild said the right-hander’s status will be evaluated day to day, adding that there’s no timetable for his first start of the regular season.

*

World Series most valuable player Josh Beckett was named the Florida Marlins’ opening day starter. He will start April 6 at home against the Montreal Expos.

Brad Penny, Dontrelle Willis, Carl Pavano and Darren Oliver will follow in the rotation.

*

The Cincinnati Reds signed right-handed reliever Todd Jones to a minor league contract, one day after he was released by the Tampa Bay Devils Rays.... The Atlanta Braves acquired right-handed pitchers Juan Cruz and Steve Smyth from the Cubs for left-hander Andy Pratt and infielder Richard Lewis.... The Baltimore Orioles released veteran catcher Bill Haselman, 37, who was trying to make the club as a backup to Javy Lopez. The Orioles also optioned outfielder Tim Raines Jr. to triple-A Ottawa.