Giants’ Kent takes BP

Peoria, Ariz. Â San Francisco Giants second baseman Jeff Kent took batting practice Tuesday for the first time since breaking his left wrist and reported feeling no pain.

With batting coach Gene Clines throwing, Kent took some swings at San Diego’s practice fields at the Peoria Sports Complex, where the Giants were playing the Padres.

“I think it’s a good sign he doesn’t have any pain,” Giants trainer Stan Conte said. “We’ll keep going until the thumb and the wrist tell us not to go any further.”

Ventura might play soon

Tampa, Fla. Â The New York Yankees have not ruled out having third base baseman Robin Ventura ready for opening day Monday at Baltimore.

Ventura sprained his left ankle during Monday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies.

“I think he should be ready by opening day,” Yankees GM Brian Cashman said Tuesday. “He didn’t go backward last night. It’s definitely not a DL matter. If he needs an extra day or two, he’ll get it.”

Ventura was injured in the third inning of Monday’s game against Philadelphia.

Ex-pitcher Brown dies

Greensboro, N.C. Â Mace Brown, who pitched for three major league teams in the 1930s and 1940s and was there for Babe Ruth’s final home run, died Sunday at 92.

As a rookie with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Brown saw Ruth, then with the Boston Braves, hit his last three homers on May 25, 1935.

Instead of heading to the Braves’ dugout after his third homer, Ruth headed for the showers. He had to pass through the Pirates’ dugout to reach the clubhouse and, spotting an open seat, sat next to Brown.