Gagne faces return trip to DL

NOTES

Los Angeles Dodgers closer Eric Gagne could be headed back to the disabled list with a problem in the same right elbow that sidelined the All-Star for the first 35 games this year.

“He has basically re-aggravated the elbow, the same situation he was dealing with in spring training,” manager Jim Tracy said in Kansas City, Mo. He said Gagne, who has converted 18 straight save situations dating back to last August, underwent an MRI and “in all likelihood” will be placed on the DL.

Tracy said Gagne irritated the sprain while closing down Minnesota on Sunday for his eighth save.

Bush selects Lasorda

Tom Lasorda is going to Japan at the request of President Bush.

The former Dodgers manager was asked to represent the United States as a delegate at the World Exposition in Aichi, Japan, which begins Friday.

“I consider it to be an honor and privilege to represent the president, as well as my country,” Lasorda said in Los Angeles.

Clearing the bases

Hideki Matsui’s playing streak is alive, despite injuring his right ankle over the weekend. Matsui, who normally plays the outfield for the New York Yankees, was in the lineup as a designated hitter for the series opener against Pittsburgh, the 388th straight game he’s played in since coming to New York. … Philadelphia lefty Randy Wolf may need Tommy John surgery after an MRI exam revealed ligament damage in his pitching elbow. After starting 1-4, Wolf has won five straight. … Detroit put shortstop Carlos Guillen on the 15-day DL because of a pulled left hamstring. Guillen was the American League’s second-leading hitter at .355. … Baltimore Orioles pitcher Erik Bedard will probably spend another month on the DL with a strained ligament in his left knee. … San Francisco Giants first baseman Lance Niekro was scratched from the lineup before the game against Minnesota after fouling a ball off his foot in batting practice. X-rays were negative.