Mitchell’s Return Not Just A Rumor

National League

American slugger Kevin Mitchell will return to Japan next week after a controversial two-month hiatus, according a news report in Tokyo.

Mitchell, a former National League MVP and the highest-paid player ever in Japan, hit two homers in his first game and helped the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks move into first place. But he left for the United States in May for treatment of a knee injury, and the Hawks have since fallen to fourth place.

Hawks officials disputed the seriousness of the injury and said Mitchell didn’t get permission to leave.

Kyodo News Service said Mitchell plans to play the rest of the season after returning to Japan. Mitchell reportedly makes about $4 million a year.

Braves 6, Padres 2

San Diego

Javier Lopez hit a threerun homer and Tom Glavine (9-4) threw eight strong innings for his fourth straight victory as Atlanta beat San Diego for its 11th win in 12 games this month.

The Padres have lost 12 of their last 17 games.

Lopez homered to straightaway center field off loser Andy Benes (3-6) in the sixth inning to give the Braves a 5-0 lead. Lopez finished the game with three hits.

Mets 13, Rockies 4

New York

Ryan Thompson had a two-run homer, Todd Hundley added three hits, and each drove in three runs as New York crushed Colorado.

Rico Brogna contributed a two-run homer as the Mets, who batted around in the first inning, had 20 hits off three Rockies pitchers.

Expos 8, Phillies 2

Montreal

Rondell White, hitless in his last 13 at-bats, went 4 for 5 with two RBIs and Pedro Martinez (7-5) allowed six hits over eight innings as Montreal routed Philadelphia.

White, who had had only one hit in his last 20 at-bats, had a two-run single in the fifth off reliever Kyle Abbott and scored twice.

Astros 13, Giants 8

San Francisco

Dave Magadan had a three-run double as Houston scored six unearned runs with two outs in the fifth inning on its way to beating San Francisco.

Jeff Bagwell had four hits and four RBIs for the Astros, including a three-run homer in the sixth.

Cardinals 6, Pirates 4

Pittsburgh

Ken Hill (6-6) turned a rare early-inning lead into seven effective innings in 93-degree heat as St. Louis stopped Pittsburgh’s four-game winning streak.

Reds 5, Cubs 4

Chicago

Benito Santiago lined a pinch single off Randy Myers to break a ninth-inning tie, lifting Cincinnati to victory over Chicago.

Clearing the bases

Tom Henke converted his 19th consecutive save opportunity to break the St. Louis team record held by Lee Smith…. San Diego’s Bip Robertswill go back on the disabled list after reinjuring his right quadriceps…. Sid Fernandez, signed by Philadelphia on Thursday, will start Sunday against Montreal.