ATLANTA SHORTSTOP GETS HURT JUMPING

The Braves are a little short on the left side of their infield.

SS Yunel Escobar left Thursday's game against the Marlins in the fifth with a strained abdominal. He said he hurt himself while jumping in the on-deck circle. He usually jumps repeatedly to warm up before hitting. He managed to bat, grounding out, then left the game.

Escobar said he believes he can play today, but manager Bobby Cox said he expects Escobar to miss three or four games.

Meanwhile, 3B Chipper Jones is expected to miss his third consecutive game tonight with a bruised left thumb he aggravated Tuesday against the Marlins. Jones said he could be back as early as Saturday.

Thursday, Omar Infante moved from third to shortstop to replace Escobar while Martin Prado took over at third.

More Braves:RHP Jorge Campillo went on the DL with right shoulder tendinitis. The reliever made two starts for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic, and Cox said he hasn't been the same since returning. Also, C David Ross was activated and made his season debut after sitting out with a strained right groin.

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A-Rod takes swings

TAMPA - Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez took another step in his rehab from right hip surgery, hitting three homers among 49 swings during his first full batting practice session.

The three-time American League MVP hit numerous liners and saw several other balls land near or bounce off the outfield fence. He also took grounders and made some throws during the 62-minute session.

Rodriguez, who had surgery March 9, previously hasn't ruled out returning earlier than the projected May 15.

More Yankees: RF Xavier Nady went on the DL with a sore right elbow. Nady, whose return is unknown, sat out all of 2002 after Tommy John surgery on the elbow. The team plans to consult with Angels medical director Lewis Yocum, who performed the previous surgery. Nady said he could swing a bat effectively five months after that operation but it took longer to gain enough arm strength to play defense.

Angels:Vladimir Guerrero is leaving a road trip and heading back to Los Angeles for more tests on an injured chest muscle. Manager Mike Scioscia said an MRI exam revealed a strained pectoral muscle. Guerrero, normally a rightfielder, has been the designated hitter for all eight games this season. He said he first felt pain during a game four days before opening day.

Astros: INF Kaz Matsui, out with a stiff back, won't return until at least Saturday.

Brewers: RHP David Riske went on the DL with a tight elbow. The reliever will go to Los Angeles next week to have it examined and determine his status.

Cubs: RF Milton Bradley, slowed by a groin injury, pinch hit but didn't start for the third consecutive game. Manager Lou Piniella said it could be five more days before Bradley can play defense.

Mariners: C Kenji Johjima went on the DL with a strained right hamstring and is expected to be out for about three weeks.

Padres: RHP Walter Silva will miss his next scheduled start with a strained right forearm. He was hurt while batting during the second inning Monday against the Mets though he managed to pitch 42/3 innings.

Royals: 3B Alex Gordon went on the DL with torn cartilage in his right hip. He is scheduled for surgery today, and his return will be determined afterward. The team said Gordon first felt tightness after the season opener and was playing in pain.