Covering the bases

Chamberlain optimistic

Joba Chamberlain plans to start a throwing program next week and expects to rejoin the New York Yankees' rotation this month.

Chamberlain was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday because of rotator cuff tendinitis in his pitching shoulder. The rookie right-hander saw Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday, one day after an MRI exam on the ailing shoulder.

"I'll be throwing in a week. I'll probably throw the beginning of next week," Chamberlain said Friday when he arrived at the Yankees' spring training complex. "Everything feels fine now."

The 22-year-old was removed from Monday night's start against Texas in the fifth inning with stiffness in his shoulder.

Braves' Jones activated, back in lineup

Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones was activated from the 15-day disabled list and started against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night for his first action in two weeks.

Jones, who leads the majors with a .369 batting average and .466 on-base percentage, missed 14 games with a strained left hamstring. Jones has missed a total of 26 games this season.

To make room for Jones, the Braves optioned left-hander Chuck James to Rickmond. James was 2-5 with a 9.10 ERA in seven starts.

Rays' Longoria out with bruised hand

Rookie third baseman Evan Longoria was out of the lineup for the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night against the Seattle Mariners because of a bruised hand.

The third overall pick in the 2006 draft and former Durham Bull was hit in the bottom of his right hand by a fastball thrown by Seattle closer J.J Putz in the ninth inning Thursday night.

SHORT HOPS: The Baltimore Orioles recalled right-hander Rocky Cherry from Triple-A Norfolk on Friday to fill the void left by the trade of reliever Chad Bradford.

* Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Brad Penny was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Friday and started against San Francisco.

* The Philadelphia Phillies optioned left-hander J.A. Happ to Triple-A Lehigh Valley before Friday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates to make room for newly acquired Scott Eyre.

* The Cincinnati Reds have hired former Seattle and Anaheim general manager Bill Bavasi as a special assistant.

* Detroit Tigers third baseman Carlos Guillen left the game against the Oakland Athletics after seven innings Friday night because of lower back spasms.

* Roger Clemens' lawyers asked a federal judge to reject attempts by Brian McNamee to dismiss the former pitcher's defamation suit or have it moved from Texas to New York.