Larkin’s Surgery Gains Top Marks

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Barry Larkin underwent successful surgery to repair a bulging disc in his neck and could be out four to six weeks, the team said.

Larkin, a nine-time National League All-Star, had surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati to remove an enlarged disc near the C5 vertebrae in his neck. The disc was compressing a nerve that was causing pain and restricting movement in his left shoulder.

“The prognosis is good, and relieving the compression on the nerve will increase the strength and mobility in the left shoulder,” said Dr. Tim Kremchek, the Reds medical director. “I see no reason why he should not be able to return to full playing ability.”

Dr. Harry Van Loveren and Dr. Thomas Saul performed the 2-1/2-hour operation. Larkin will begin rehabilitation on Monday.

Generous pitcher

Tampa Bay Devil Rays lefty Wilson Alvarez, a native of Venezuela, quietly made a $1 million donation last week to a Montessori school in Sarasota attended by his daughters Vanessa, 4, and Viviana, 3. He did not inform the team, and word did not leak until a school official told a newspaper.

Alvarez said the school plans to expand by buying 100 acres for farming and animals, as well as a new high school. He said school officials also plan to have children come from other countries as exchange students. Alvarez was impressed that his daughters, who have only been attending since November, have already learned to speak English.

“This comes from my heart,” Alvarez said. “People can say, ‘He’s a nice guy, doing this stuff.’ But that’s not what’s important. I did this because it’s good for the kids.”

Marlins finally win

The Florida Marlins broke their nine-game losing streak, using big hits by Gregg Zaun and John Cangelosi to beat the Atlanta Braves’ split squad 11-3 at Melbourne, Fla.

Zaun went 3 for 4 with a two-run homer, an RBI single and a double. Cangelosi drove in two runs with a double and a sacrifice fly.

Zaun, the backup to All-Star catcher Charles Johnson, has asked to be traded so he can start for another team. The Marlins are trying to trade Cangelosi because his $550,000 salary as a backup outfielder doesn’t fit into the team’s budget.

Nomo looks sharp

Hideo Nomo, ineffective in his two previous outings, credited improved mechanics after pitching four shutout innings as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Baltimore Orioles 4-0 at Vero Beach, Fla.

Nomo allowed two hits while walking none and striking out five - four on called third strikes.

Ex-Indian triumphs

Former Spokane Indians right-hander A.J. Sager earned the victory and Tony Clark hit a two-run homer as the Detroit Tigers defeated a split squad of Kansas City Royals 6-2 at Lakeland, Fla.

Sager (2-0) gave up two hits in his three innings.

Cruz connects

At Winter Haven, Fla., Jose Cruz Jr. hit a grand slam, Felipe Crespo had a three-run homer and Juan Samuel hit a two-run shot for Toronto as the Blue Jays slammed Cleveland 14-2.