Phillies put MVP on DL

MVP shortstop Jimmy Rollins was placed on the 15-day disabled list in Philidelphia Sunday for the first time in his eight-year career because of a sprained left ankle.

Rollins is batting .308 with two doubles, two home runs, six RBIs and two stolen bases.

Rollins played in all 162 regular-season games last season, leading Philadelphia to the N.L. East title and its first playoff berth since 1993. He batted .296 with 30 homers, 94 RBIs, 20 triples, 41 stolen bases and an N.L.-high 139 runs.

The Phillies are 4-6 without Rollins.

The Phillies also placed outfielder Chris Snelling (left knee inflammation) on the disabled list.

Blue Jays cut Thomas

In Toronto, slumping designated hitter Frank Thomas was released by the Blue Jays, who cut the 19-year veteran one day after he became angry for being taken out of the lineup.

General manager J.P. Ricciardi said he and Thomas came to “a mutual agreement” after meeting in the clubhouse.

The move leaves the Blue Jays on the hook for the remainder of the two-year $18-million contract the 39-year-old Thomas signed in November 2006.

Thomas was hitless in his past 13 at-bats, going 4 for 35 since homering in three straight games April 5-8. Known as a slow starter, he batted .167 with three homers and 11 RBIs for Toronto this year.

Last season, Thomas batted .277, leading the team with 26 homers and 95 RBIs.

Legend’s bat for sale

The only known “Shoeless” Joe Jackson signature model “Black Betsy” game bat in existence is expected to sell for $200,000 to $300,000 this week in Sotheby’s and SCP Auctions’ in New York.

Property offered in Thursday’s auction includes Mickey Mantle’s signed 1958 World Series bat and one of the earliest known Ty Cobb signature model bats, with each expected to bring $80,000 to $120,000.

Additional highlights include Joe DiMaggio’s 1936 Yankees rookie home uniform (estimated at $250,000) and Lou Gehrig’s 1933 Yankees road jersey ($150,000 to $200,000).