Covering the bases

Johnson ties Clemens in K's

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson tied Roger Clemens on Thursday night for second place on baseball's career strikeouts list.

The 44-year-old left-hander struck out nine batters in seven innings against the San Francisco Giants to give him 4,672 in 20 major league seasons.

The tying strikeout came when Johnson fanned Dan Ortmeier for the third time of the night to start the seventh inning. Johnson drew a standing ovation as he left the field at the inning's conclusion.

The Giants won the game, 4-3.

Nolan Ryan holds the major league record for most career strikeouts with 5,714.

Mulder likely won't return before break

An All-Star break return for Mark Mulder, once seemingly a certainty for the St. Louis Cardinals pitcher and manager Tony La Russa, on Thursday appeared to be a deadline that will be impossible to meet.

The left-hander has had two recent cortisone injections in his twice surgically repaired left shoulder, the last on Wednesday, in an effort to free up the joint. He has been unable to rotate his shoulder high enough to pitch effectively, and the team shut down a rehab assignment earlier this month after Mulder was hit hard against minor leaguers.

A's activate Chavez, put Thomas on DL

Eric Chavez returned a few days ahead of schedule. The Oakland Athletics activated their six-time Gold Glove third baseman from the 60-day disabled list Thursday and put him in the starting lineup as designated hitter for the finale of a three-game series against Toronto.

As expected, Oakland placed designated hitter Frank Thomas on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right knee and quadriceps tendinitis.

SHORT HOPS: Rays closer Troy Percival was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a left hamstring strain, and Tampa Bay filled the roster opening by activating infielder Willy Aybar.

* Blue Jays second baseman Aaron Hill suffered a mild concussion Thursday after a hard collision with Athletics shortstop David Eckstein. Hill is listed as day to day.

* The Rangers activated Kevin Millwood from the 15-day disabled list, and the right-hander was scheduled to start tonight against Oakland in the opener of a 10-game homestand.

* The Reds sent right-hander Matt Belisle to Triple-A Louisville to pitch in relief, a role he had two years ago. Right-hander Josh Fogg moves back into the rotation and will start Saturday against Atlanta.

* Braves outfielder Matt Diaz will be out at least a month after injuring his left knee attempting to make a catch earlier this week.

* The Cubs recalled left-hander Neal Cotts from Triple-A Iowa and optioned right-hander Jose Ascanio to the minors.

* Mets outfielder Ryan Church returned to Shea Stadium, uncertain when he'll rejoin the lineup following his second concussion this year.

* The Pirates recalled right-hander Bryan Bullington, the No. 1 pick in the 2002 draft, from Triple-A Indianapolis.

* The Twins claimed left-handed reliever Craig Breslow off waivers, a week after he was let go by the Indians.

* The Astros signed left-hander Ray King to a minor-league deal.