Braves’ reliever fractures arm

NOTES

The Atlanta Braves placed Jay Powell on the 15-day disabled list Saturday, a day after the reliever broke his right arm throwing a pitch in the ninth inning.

Roman Colon was recalled from Triple-A Richmond to take his place on the roster.

Team trainer Jeff Porter said it’s too early to declare Powell’s career over after the right-hander broke his humerus – the bone in the upper arm.

Powell, 33, grimaced as he made his second pitch of the ninth in a 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. After being escorted off the field, Powell went to Atlanta’s Piedmont Hospital, where Dr. Lee Kelly diagnosed the break.

Porter said that Powell, who underwent Tommy John surgery to repair his right elbow last year with Texas, wore a splint as he left the hospital. He will be reevaluated Monday, and surgery is possible.

Braves assistant trainer Jim Lovell ran from the dugout and was the first team official to talk to Powell.

“His first words were, ‘It’s broke,’ ” Lovell said.

Cubs’ stars set return

The Chicago Cubs are close to getting two of their biggest stars back.

Kerry Wood and Nomar Garciaparra are expected to return from the disabled list Friday in New York for a series against the Mets, general manager Jim Hendry said. Reliever Scott Williamson also could be activated Friday, further bolstering the bullpen.

Wrong Rivera slighted

Yankees broadcasters Michael Kay and Bobby Murcer spent several minutes during a YES Network telecast last weekend ripping Los Angeles Angels outfielder Juan Rivera.

Kay confused him with Ruben Rivera, who was released for allegedly stealing one of Derek Jeter’s gloves a few years back.

By the time an Angels official reached the booth, Kay and Murcer had realized their error and apologized on the air.