Covering the bases

Phils' Myers returns to team

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Brett Myers rejoined the team Friday and is expected to pitch Sunday after taking a leave of absence following his arrest on charges that he hit his wife in the face.

"I've been humbled greatly by this problem and I deeply regret any incident that happened," Myers said Friday before the Phillies played the San Francisco Giants. "Over the last several weeks I learned a lot about myself and I have a lot more to learn."

A somber Myers spoke for 45 seconds and left without taking questions.

"I want to apologize to my wife, my family, my teammates, the entire Phillies organization and especially the fans," he said. "I would like to thank you for respecting our privacy. We've both decided it is time for me to rejoin the team."

Bonds' lawyers preparing for indictment

Barry Bonds' legal team is preparing for the San Francisco slugger to be indicted as soon as next week and has begun plotting his defense.

Attorney Laura Enos told The Associated Press on Friday that Bonds could be charged with tax evasion and perjury.

Enos, Bonds' personal attorney, also said the lawyers believe the grand jury investigating the star player will expire next Thursday.

"We are very prepared," Enos said. "We have excellent tax records and we are very comfortable that he has not shortchanged the government at all."

Pitcher Ponson signs with Yankees

Embattled pitcher Sidney Ponson signed with the New York Yankees on Friday and joined his new team on the field about two hours before the game against the Chicago White Sox. He is scheduled to make his first start on Tuesday against Seattle.

SHORT HOPS: Chicago White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski said Friday that his fine for inciting the crowd after a brawl in a game against the Cubs was reduced to $250 after his appeal. Pierzynski was originally fined $2,000 for his role in the brawl in the White Sox's 7-0 win on May 20. ... Cubs right-hander Mark Prior went back on the 15-day disabled list, this time with a strained left oblique muscle. He got hurt while taking batting practice last Saturday in Milwaukee. ... The Washington Nationals signed free-agent outfielder Luis Matos and assigned outfielder Marlon Byrd to Triple-A New Orleans after he cleared waivers.