Roberts leaves with arm injury

NOTES

All-Star second baseman Brian Roberts left Baltimore’s game against the New York Yankees in the second inning Tuesday night with a dislocated left elbow.

He was taken to a hospital for further examination.

Roberts was covering first base after New York’s Bubba Crosby bunted with Bernie Williams on second. First baseman B.J. Surhoff rushed in to field the bunt and his throw to Roberts arrived at about the same time Crosby did.

Crosby crashed into Roberts’ outstretched left arm, snapping it back. Roberts dropped the ball and went to the ground in tremendous pain, allowing Williams to jog home from third.

Hampton to miss 2006

Atlanta Braves pitcher Mike Hampton will have major elbow surgery next week and miss the entire 2006 season.

The 33-year-old left-hander will undergo the Tommy John procedure on Monday in New York, where he was examined last weekend by Dr. Dave Altchek, the Mets’ team doctor.

Altchek will perform the surgery.

“Shannon Stewart’s left shoulder causes him so much pain the outfielder is unlikely to play again this season for the Minnesota Twins.

“John Smoltz will skip today’s scheduled start for Atlanta because of a sore shoulder.

“Mike Mussina plans to pitch Thursday, giving the New York Yankees one of their top starters back as they chase a playoff spot.

Mussina has not pitched in September because of inflammation near his elbow.

“Baltimore Orioles interim manager Sam Perlozzo said he wants to talk soon with first baseman Rafael Palmeiro, who has not been with the team since the Orioles sent him home Sept. 5 to rest his injured knee and ankle.