Despite Many Injuries, Braves Keep A Stiff Upper Lip

Maybe they should roll a few beds into the Atlanta Braves clubhouse and turn the place into a hospital.

Who would know the difference?

Every day seems to bring a discouraging medical report from the team seeking its eighth straight postseason appearance.

Greg Maddux: chipped bone in his pitching hand. Rudy Seanez: stress fracture in his pitching elbow. Kevin Millwood: sore back. Brian Jordan: aching wrist. John Smoltz: tender elbow.

And those are the lucky ones.

Andres Galarraga, Kerry Ligtenberg, Javy Lopez and Odalis Perez are done for the year, the first two without playing a game.

Yet, in what may be their most impressive performance since the worst-to-first of 1991, the Braves have remained one of the N.L.’s strongest teams.

“We’ve lost some big parts of this team, but you’ve got to go on and play with what you’ve got,” second baseman Bret Boone said. “Hopefully, we can keep winning.”

The Braves beat Cincinnati 6-3 Tuesday night - their sixth straight victory and 15th in the last 19 games, to moved 1-1/2 games ahead of the New York Mets in the N.L. East.

Selig bends on Rose issue

The sponsor of baseball’s All-Century team said Tuesday it didn’t pressure commissioner Bud Selig to allow Pete Rose to participate if he’s elected.

After snubbing Rose at the All-Star game, Selig said Monday the career hits leader would be invited to the World Series if he’s elected to the All-Century team, even though Rose is banned from baseball for life.

“It’s a baseball policy issue,” said Jeff Price, the vice president of U.S. sponsorships and events for MasterCard International. “MasterCard didn’t get involved with it.”

Selig said last month that Rose wasn’t invited to on-field ceremonies at the All-Star game honoring the living players on the 100-man ballot. He denied that he was pushed to reverse himself on inviting Rose to the Series if Rose is elected.

Red Sox snag Mercker

The Boston Red Sox are getting serious about their wild-card stretch run.

The Red Sox, who are tied with Oakland for the A.L. wild-card spot, acquired left-hander Kent Mercker from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for two minor leaguers.

Mercker is 6-5 with a 5.12 ERA in 25 games. For his career, he is 60-58.