Rockies Put Walker on the Disabled List

Reigning National League batting champion Larry Walker was put on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday by the Colorado Rockies, a week after he strained a rib cage muscle hitting a batting practice home run.

The move was retroactive to March 29, and Walker said he hopes to be back by next Tuesday, meaning he’ll miss the first eight games, including a weekend series against the Dodgers.

“I didn’t want to [go on the DL], but it’s probably the smartest thing to do,” Walker said.

Walker sat out Sunday night’s game, missing his first opening day start since 1989, when he began the year in triple A.

The Rockies purchased the contract of outfielder Mike Kelly from triple-A Colorado Springs. Kelly was signed as a free agent last Friday.

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Right-hander Kevin Tapani, whose 19 victories last year were the most in six seasons by a Chicago Cub pitcher, agreed to a two-year contract extension with a club option for 2002.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but ESPN Radio 1000 in Chicago reported that the deal is worth $12.5 million. The 35-year-old pitcher is in the final year of a contract that will pay him $3.5 million this season.

Tapani was 19-9 with a 4.85 earned-run average in 35 games (34 starts) last season.

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The San Diego Padres put reliever Randy Myers on the 15-day disabled list on, retroactive to Saturday, because of a left rotator cuff strain.

The Padres also purchased the contract of left-hander Roberto Rivera from Las Vegas of the triple-A Pacific Coast League and designated infielder Ed Giovanola for assignment.

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Outfielder Cliff Floyd of the Florida Marlins will be sidelined a little longer than expected because of his latest injury. Floyd underwent surgery to repair torn cartilage in his left knee and is expected to be sidelined another two to four weeks.

Floyd, 26, went on the disabled list for the fourth time in his career March 30 because of the knee injury, which was initially diagnosed as a sprain.

The Marlins are counting on Floyd to anchor their lineup. He avoided injuries last year, hitting .282 with 22 home runs and 90 runs batted in, and was rewarded in January with a four-year, $19-million contract. Rookie Preston Wilson will fill in for Floyd in left field.

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Left-hander Mike Remlinger of the Atlanta Braves was put on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Saturday, because of a strained muscle in his left side.

Left-hander Derrin Ebert was recalled from triple-A Richmond to replace Remlinger, who was injured while warming up during Monday’s 7-4 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.