In the Spotlight

Yankees vs. Mets, 7:10 p.m. today, Shea Stadium, New York. No TV. The Subway Series switches to Flushing Meadow this weekend. Mike Mussina (9-4) starts for the Yankees, Steve Trachsel (7-6) for the Mets.

Today's List

Kansas City has used the most players this season. Here is a look at the leaders of the most and fewest players used:

Most players used

Royals -- 46
Diamondbacks -- 42
Rangers -- 40
Indians -- 39
Devil Rays -- 39

Fewest players used

Dodgers -- 30
Six teams tied at -- 32

News & Notes

George Steinbrenner's interest in Diamondbacks LHP Randy Johnson could end up costing him. The commissioner's office said yesterday it was reviewing remarks the Yankees owner made about the Arizona ace this week to see if there was any tampering that could result in a fine.

Red Sox RHP Pedro Martinez needed only three batters last night to rekindle the bad blood with the Yankees that boiled over in the playoffs last year. Martinez hit Yankees OF Gary Sheffield in the back with a tailing fastball with two outs and none on in the first inning, prompting some tense moments at Yankee Stadium.

Dodgers RHP Hideo Nomo, winless in his past nine decisions, was placed on the 15-day disabled list with inflammation in his right rotator cuff. The Dodgers purchased the contract of RHP Giovanni Carrara from Class AAA Las Vegas.

Yankees P Kevin Brown was diagnosed with intestinal parasites, joining 1B Jason Giambi as the second member of the team to test positive for the ailment this week. Brown has been out with a bad back since leaving a start June 9, but he's also been ailing "about 3 1/2 weeks or so."

After struggling at the plate and committing three errors in two games against New York, Red Sox SS Nomar Garciaparra was out of the starting lineup for the series finale at Yankee Stadium. Boston manager Terry Francona insisted Garciaparra was not hurt, and said the All-Star slugger just needed a day off to rest his right Achilles' and heel.

Toronto 1B Carlos Delgado will miss the Blue Jays' weekend series against Montreal in his native Puerto Rico. Delgado has been out with a rib cage injury since May 30.

Cubs RHP Kerry Wood got a scare when he was hit under the chin by a line drive in his final simulated game before an anticipated minor-league rehabilitation assignment next week. Wood, on the disabled list since May 12 with a sore triceps muscle, threw four innings to teammates Paul Bako hit a hard liner through the middle and Wood was able to deflect the ball with his glove and slow it down before it clipped him under the chin. He shook it off and continued his outing.

The Mariners put C Miguel Olivo on the 15-day disabled list, one day after doctors fitted him with a stent to remove kidney stones.

The Atlanta Braves brought up right-hander Tim Drew from Class AAA Richmond, making him and older brother J.D. the 12th pair of siblings to play together with the team.

The Mets signed 19th-round draft pick Jim Burt Jr., son of the former New York Giants defensive lineman. He was assigned to Class A Brooklyn.

Brewers CF Scott Podsednik was a last-minute scratch from the lineup against the Rockies because of the flu.

Numbers

Phillies C Mike Lieberthal hit his 200th double of his career against the Expos.

The Final Pitch

In a rare play yesterday, the Cubs caught Astros 3B Morgan Ensberg off first after he singled to start the ninth, and Cubs C Michael Barrett ran all the way out to the basepath to tag him out.