BRONCOS-WILSON
STATIONS: UPDATES with Wilson saying he is being released
DENVER (AP)—Denver Bronco stalwart linebacker Al Wilson says the team is releasing him.
Wilson told reporters today that the team told him last night.
His agent, Peter Schaffer, earlier had said that the Broncos were shopping the eight-year veteran around for a possible trade.
The Broncos denied comment today.
Wilson, a big fan favorite, is due 5.2 million dollars in base salary this year.
ROCKIES-DIAMONDBACKS
Rockies to open series in Phoenix
DENVER (AP)—The Colorado Rockies will open a three-game series tonight in Phoenix.
So far, the Rockies have lost four of six games on their current road trip. They’ve dropped to 4-and-5 overall.
The Rockies will face lefthander Randy Johnson — at the minor league level. Johnson will pitch tomorrow for theTriple-A team in Tucson against the Sky Sox — the Rockies’ Triple-A affiliate.
Johnson — traded back to Arizona from the Yankees — is recovering from offseason back surgery. He’s been on the disabled list and is tentatively scheduled to start for the Diamondbacks next Thursday in San Diego.
NUGGETS-HORNETS
Nuggets look at wrapping up playoff spot
DENVER (AP)—The Denver Nuggets could seal their sixth-seed spot in the playoffs tonight when they take on the New Orleans Hornets in Oklahoma City.
The Nuggets have won seven straight games. The Hornets are still battling for eighth seed.
Denver coach George Karl plans to reduce starters’ playing time down the stretch.
But Karl doesn’t want a repeat of last season, when the Nuggets lost their final four games and washed out of the playoffs. He says he doesn’t want the team to lose momentum.
Tonight’s game will be the last in Oklahoma City for the Hornets. The Hornets played 36 home games there last season and 34 this season. They relocated after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans.
RAPIDS
Mastroeni recovering from surgery
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (AP)—Colorado Rapids midfielder Pablo Mastroeni says he takes his recovery from offseason knee surgery day to day.
He came off the bench in the Rapids’ opener last Saturday. He played the last 30 minutes of the 2-to-1 victory over D-C United. He played 65 minutes Wednesday in a scrimmage against the University of New Mexico.
Mastroeni had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in February. The national team rates his fitness level at 70 percent.
