Chicago could host Marlins-Expos series

Hurricane Ivan could force the storm-weary Florida Marlins to play at least part of their five-game series next week against Montreal at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago.

The teams are considering the White Sox ballpark as an option if Ivan makes it impossible to start the series Monday as scheduled at Pro Player Stadium.

The Marlins can’t afford any more rainouts after three games last weekend against the Chicago Cubs were postponed because of Hurricane Frances. Florida is scheduled to play three doubleheaders in 11 days beginning today at Wrigley Field.

Whether the Marlins remain in Chicago to play the Expos will depend on how severely Ivan affects the Miami area. The storm could reach southern Florida as soon as Sunday, forecasters said.

Umpire leaves after being hit in head

Plate umpire Jerry Crawford was hit in the head by a deflected pitch, forcing him to leave after the second inning in the first game of a doubleheader between Tampa Bay and the New York Yankees.

Devil Rays starter Dewon Brazelton opened the bottom of the second by hitting Miguel Cairo in the left shoulder with a pitch that deflected off Cairo’s arm and skipped off Crawford’s mask. Yankees trainer Gene Monahan tended to Crawford, who completed the inning.

But Crawford, the crew chief, left the field before the start of the third inning, heading into the Yankees dugout with Monahan. Crawford was taken to New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center and diagnosed with a concussion.

•Yankees slugger Jason Giambi hopes taking some swings against Triple-A pitching will get him ready for the A.L. pennant race.

Giambi, recovering from a benign tumor and other ailments, joined the Columbus Clippers for Game 1 of their International League playoff series against Richmond.

He went 0 for 3 with two strikeouts, a groundout to first and two walks as the Clippers lost to the Braves 2-1 in 13 innings.

Everett out of lineup with thigh injury

Chicago White Sox designated hitter Carl Everett was out of the lineup against Texas because of a pulled muscle in his thigh.

He was injured Wednesday night.