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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Notebook: More tributes for No. 42

Associated Press The Spokesman-Review

The 30 major league teams and the sport’s league office will combine to sponsor a Jackie Robinson Foundation scholar for each club from 2009-11.

The pledge of $1.2 million announced Monday raises the foundation’s support from MLB and its teams to more than $10 million since 1996, the commissioner’s office said.

Players again have been invited to wear Robinson’s No. 42 today, the 61st anniversary of when Robinson played his first game for the Brooklyn Dodgers and broke the major league color barrier. More than 330 players, managers and coaches are expected to wear No. 42, up from more than 240 last year.

Ortiz back in action

A text message on Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona’s cell phone delivered the good news: David Ortiz wanted in.

Off to the worst start of his career, Boston’s slumping slugger was back in the starting lineup against the Cleveland Indians after sitting out a game against the New York Yankees to clear his head and find his batting stroke.

Ortiz was in his familiar No. 3 spot as Boston’s DH, one night after sitting out the nationally televised game. Big Papi, who had off-season knee surgery, came in batting .070 with three hits in 43 at-bats. But he singled in his first at-bat, ending a 0-for-17 slide.

Chamberlain on leave

Yankees reliever Joba Chamberlain left the team after his father collapsed at home in Nebraska, and the pitcher was placed on the bereavement list.

Harlan Chamberlain was hospitalized at St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center in Lincoln. Hospital spokeswoman Jo Miller said the family requested no further information be released.

“He is currently in critical but stable condition,” Joba Chamberlain said in a statement released by the team. “I also want to thank my teammates and my manager for giving me so much support when I have needed it most. Their actions are the reason I was able to reach my father’s side as quickly as I did.”

“New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter started against Tampa Bay, his first appearance since leaving a game April 7 due to a strained left quadriceps muscle.

Chad Moeller, whose contract was purchased Monday from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, was the starting catcher in place of Jorge Posada (right shoulder).

Kazmir on track

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Scott Kazmir threw 25 pitches over two innings in an extended spring training game.

It was the first game action for the Rays’ ace since he went on the 15-day disabled list because of a left elbow strain. He felt discomfort while warming up for an intrasquad game on Feb. 26.

Kazmir, who could rejoin the team in early May, is to make three minor league starts, including one for Class-A Vero Beach on Friday.