Schilling sidelined by bruised ankle

Boston — Boston’s Curt Schilling will miss at least two weeks because of a bone bruise on his surgically repaired right ankle, the latest misstep for a rotation that lost David Wells a few days earlier.

Schilling’s injury could be indirectly related to the operation he had last November, Boston general manager Theo Epstein said Wednesday, although the latest problem is higher in the ankle.

Giants closer Benitez to miss four months

San Francisco — San Francisco Giants closer Armando Benitez is expected to miss four months after tearing his hamstring while covering first base.

San Francisco placed Benitez on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday, a day after his injury, but trainer Stan Conte said the reliever would be out for much longer after an MRI revealed that he tore his right hamstring tendons.

“The tear is complete with two of the three tendons that attach to his pelvis,” Conte said. “This will require surgery to repair.”

Sabathia awarded two-year extension

Cleveland — C.C. Sabathia signed a two-year, $17.75 million contract extension on Wednesday with the Cleveland Indians that will keep the All-Star left-hander with the club through 2008. Sabathia, who could have become a free agent after next season, will make $8.75 million in 2007 and $9 million in 2008.

His salary for 2006 can increase to $9 million if he reaches performance incentives and finishes among the top two in Cy Young voting or in the top five for MVP.

Gibbons’ contract extended through ’07

Toronto — Manager John Gibbons was given a two-year contract extension Wednesday by the Toronto Blue Jays.

Gibbons took over as interim manager of the Blue Jays on Aug. 8, 2004, when Carlos Tosca was fired after the team dropped to 47-64. Gibbons guided the team to a 20-30 record over the final eight weeks of the season and was given a one-year contract last October. His new contract will take him through 2007.

Isringhausen on DL

St. Louis — Jason Isringhausen, the St. Louis Cardinals’ closer, was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday because of a strained right abdominal muscle. He had made a full recovery from offseason hip surgery.