ATLANTA — Washington manager Davey Johnson confirmed plans for Stephen Strasburg to make his first 2011 start for the Nationals on Tuesday.
Strasburg will start for Double-A Harrisburg on Thursday. It is expected to be his final rehab appearance in his comeback from Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow. If all goes well, Strasburg, whose fastball was clocked at 98 mph in his previous start, will make his much-anticipated start at home against the Dodgers.
Johnson also said Tuesday lefty Tom Milone will be recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to start against the Mets on Saturday. Milone will replace Jordan Zimmermann.
Sentencing date set for Bonds
SAN FRANCISCO — Home run king Barry Bonds will be back in federal court Dec. 16 to be sentenced for his felony obstruction of justice conviction. Bonds faces up to 10 years in prison, yet federal guidelines call for 15 to 21 months.
• Robin O’Conner, a former payroll manager for the Giants, has been arrested on federal charges associated with embezzling more than $1.5 million from the baseball club’s employees, including players.
Footnotes.
The Rangers placed outfielder Nelson Cruz on the 15-day disabled list with a strained hamstring and recalled Cuban outfielder Leonys Martin from Triple-A Round Rock.
• Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez is expected to sit out this week’s entire series at Boston because of his sprained left thumb.
• Twins first baseman Justin Morneau has mild concussion symptoms and will miss at least the next several games.
The Associated Press
