Injuries Sideline Nixon, Garciaparra

Boston Red Sox right fielder Trot Nixon will be sidelined until May because of a back injury and shortstop Nomar Garciaparra might sit out opening day because of a foot problem.

Nixon has a mildly herniated disk in his back. He has not played at all this spring. Garciaparra had an MRI exam that showed mild tendinitis in his right Achilles’ tendon.

Manager Terry Francona plans to move first baseman Kevin Millar to right field and second baseman Pokey Reese to shortstop until Nixon and Garciaparra return.

Designated hitter David Ortiz figures to see more time at first base, and Gabe Kapler will play in right when Millar is at first. Mark Bellhorn is the primary backup infielder.

Nixon should be ready to play in a major league game in six weeks. The Red Sox are hopeful Garciaparra can play in two weeks, around the time of the season opener at Baltimore on April 4.

Nixon was examined Thursday in Los Angeles by Dr. Robert Watkins, and Garciaparra was checked at the club’s spring training base in Fort Myers, Fla.

Nixon, who was not at the ballpark Friday, has said that the injury didn’t result from one incident but appeared to build gradually.

Garciaparra had a removable boot on his right foot that immobilizes the area.

“I still plan on being there opening day,� he said. “The good thing is it’s happening now and not in the middle of the season.�

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The Florida Marlins might have to wait until June for right-hander A.J. Burnett’s return. He underwent Tommy John surgery early last season, and had hoped to come back by May 1.

“I’m not going to worry about when I come back,� Burnett said Friday. “I know I’ll be back this year. I know I’ll be back before the All-Star break and if I come back at the All-Star break then you’ve got a healthy horse coming back to help you in the stretch. I’m not trying to break any records.�

Burnett’s comeback was set back two weeks ago when he felt pain in his right elbow after finishing his third bullpen session. He threw on the side Friday and felt no discomfort.

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Eric Chavez selected eight teams he can’t be traded to without permission as part of his $66-million, six-year extension with the Oakland Athletics.

As part of the deal, the sides agreed the third baseman’s consent would be needed for trades to Cleveland, Florida, Milwaukee, Minnesota, Montreal, New York Mets, Tampa Bay and Toronto.

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Montreal starting pitcher Tony Armas Jr. strained a muscle on his right side, another setback in his comeback from shoulder surgery last year.

Armas, the Expos’ opening-day starter last season, has not pitched in a game since last April 20 after an operation to repair a torn right rotator cuff.

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San Francisco Giant right-hander Jason Schmidt was scratched from his scheduled start today against the Angels as a precaution because of a sore throwing shoulder. Schmidt, who had off-season elbow surgery, felt minor tightness in the shoulder this week.

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Joe Nossek, 63, known throughout baseball for his ability to steal signs, resigned as the Chicago White Sox bench coach because of health reasons. He will remain with the club in some capacity.