Brown to undergo more tests today

San Diego The Los Angeles Dodgers got good news on Kevin Brown’s elbow injury: They think it’s just torn scar tissue, but the pitcher is scheduled to undergo a more comprehensive exam today.

Brown had no pain and just mild stiffness in his right elbow, team trainer Stan Johnston said after the pitcher was examined by a Padres team doctor prior to Sunday night’s game against San Diego.

Brown, who had surgery on the elbow less than seven months ago, left Saturday night’s game against the Padres in the second inning after throwing a 93 mph fastball to Tom Lampkin. Almost as soon as Brown released the pitch, he hopped once and held his right arm at his side.

Cubs activate Alou, demote Encarnacion

Pittsburgh The Chicago Cubs activated outfielder Moises Alou from the disabled list following their 5-1 victory Sunday in Pittsburgh.

To make room for Alou, the Cubs demoted outfielder Mario Encarnacion to Triple-A Iowa. Encarnacion went 0-for-2 Sunday and is 0-for-7 with the Cubs.

Alou, one of Chicago’s major offseason additions, has not played yet this season because of a strained right calf. He spent the weekend on a rehabilitation assignment at Class-A Daytona, going 5-for-8.

Stairs to see specialist about pain, heartbeat

San Francisco Brewers outfielder Matt Stairs will see a heart specialist today in Milwaukee as a precautionary measure. Stairs, who experienced chest pains and an accelerated heartbeat before Friday’s game in San Francisco, has been getting chest pains since his early 20s, but hadn’t had a problem for more than a year.

“I just don’t like waking up at 4 or 5 o’clock in the morning with my chest getting tight, and my heart going 100 mph,” said Stairs, who doubled in a run as a pinch-hitter in Sunday’s 4-3 victory over the Giants.

Stairs said he’s been examined in the past and pronounced fit. Friday’s pain was described as an anxiety attack by Giants’ team doctors.

Casey hopes to play despite concussion

Philadelphia Reds first baseman Sean Casey hopes to be back in the lineup Tuesday, despite a concussion and ear injury from being hit in the head by a pitch.

“I was unconscious for about two minutes and I have a concussion,” Casey said Sunday. “I’m still woozy and have a headache and I only slept for about three hours.”

He was beaned by Robert Person’s fastball in the first inning of Cincinnati’s 5-2 win over Philadelphia on Saturday.

Casey thought about trying to play Sunday against the Phillies, but he couldn’t get a batting helmet on because of a protective covering on his right ear, which was drained and needed several stitches.

Casey will be examined by a team doctor today in Cincinnati.

Alvarez leaves with pulled rib-cage muscle

St. Petersburg, Fla. Tampa Bay Devil Rays pitcher Wilson Alvarez left Sunday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays in the sixth inning with a pulled ribcage muscle.

Alvarez went down to one knee and grabbed his right side after making a 2-2 pitch to Carlos Delgado.

“I overthrew the last pitch,” Alvarez said. “I felt a little something in my side. It scared me more than it hurt.”

Cirillo hit by baseball during batting practice

Arlington, Texas Seattle third baseman Jeff Cirillo was struck by a batted ball during batting practice before the Mariners’ game against Texas on Sunday and was scratched from the lineup.

The injury was not considered to be serious.

Cirillo was standing to the left of the batting cage when he was hit in the head by a ball that ricocheted off the pitchers’ protective screen.

Cirillo was on the ground for several minutes before being helped to his feet. He walked wobbly-legged to the clubhouse, where team medical personnel treated a cut above his left ear.

The Mariners said Cirillo was scratched as a precautionary measure.

Charles Gipson was moved from left field to third base to replace Cirillo. As part of the lineup shuffle, Ron Wright made his major league debut as the Mariners’ designated hitter.

Cards pitcher removed with back spasms

St. Louis St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Garrett Stephenson was removed after three innings Sunday against the Houston Astros because of lower back spasms.

Stephenson’s knee buckled as he walked down the steps to the locker room.