Sabean unsure of Bonds’ return

NOTES

San Francisco Giants general manager Brian Sabean refuses to think too much about having Barry Bonds back in the lineup this season.

The slugger’s status is still so uncertain.

“It’s wait and see,” Sabean said Monday. “He’s been through a lot and he will continue to be through a lot until he’s back in uniform on a daily basis.”

If Bonds does play this year following three operations on his troublesome right knee since Jan. 31, Sabean isn’t sure there will be enough games remaining on the schedule for him to make a major impact – or whether he’d be able to play on a daily basis.

Bonds has been sprinting and cutting since last Wednesday, working out at the UCLA track under the direction of renowned Angels orthopedist Dr. Lewis Yocum and physical therapist Clive Brewster.

Orioles claim Baldwin

The Orioles reacquired right-hander James Baldwin, claiming him off waivers from the Texas Rangers.

Baldwin excelled in long relief for Baltimore before being designated for assignment July 18 while the Orioles were in negotiations to acquire right-hander A.J. Burnett in a trade with Florida. The trade was never completed, and Texas claimed Baldwin off waivers.

Baldwin went 0-2 with a 5.19 ERA in eight games for the Rangers. He was designated for assignment Aug. 16.

Clearing the bases

Derek Jeter was out of the New York Yankees’ starting lineup against Toronto because of a slightly jammed right thumb.

•Rockies outfielder Larry Bigbie was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained Achilles’ tendon. The move is retroactive to Sunday.

•Dodgers left-hander Odalis Perez was placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Thursday, because of a strained muscle on his right side.

•Cardinals reliever Mike Lincoln had surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

•The Atlanta Braves activated catcher Johnny Estrada from the 15-day disabled list before their game against the Chicago Cubs.