Soriano going back to LF

Chicago – Alfonso Soriano is expected to rejoin the Chicago Cubs’ lineup Monday and when he does, he’ll be switched from center field back to left field, where he played last season with the Washington Nationals.

Soriano was out of the lineup Saturday for a fifth straight game after straining his left hamstring last Monday. After running in the outfield, he said he was ready to play but was advised by trainer Mark O’Neal to give the injury two more days to heal.

If the Cubs keep rookie Felix Pie, who was called up when Soriano was injured, as their center fielder, they’d have a lot of speed in their lineup. And they’d also have a logjam of outfielders with Jacque Jones, Cliff Floyd and Matt Murton all looking for playing time.

Damon sits one out

Boston – New York Yankees center fielder Johnny Damon was out of the lineup for Saturday’s game against the Boston Red Sox with a sore lower back and hamstring.

Mets fan interferes

New York – A 40-year-old man arrested at Shea Stadium on Friday night is accused of trying to distract an Atlanta Braves pitcher and shortstop with a high-powered flashlight.

Frank Martinez was charged with interference with a professional sporting event and second-degree reckless endangerment Authorities said Martinez flashed the powerful light at the players in the bottom of the eighth inning from his seat behind home plate. He was quickly ejected.

Phillies turn triple play

Cincinnati – The Philadelphia Phillies pulled off their first triple play in almost eight years and the first in the majors this season in the fifth inning against the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday night.

With Josh Hamilton on second base and Edwin Encarnacion on first, catcher David Ross grounded to Phillies third baseman Abraham Nunez, who stepped on third base to force Hamilton and threw to second baseman Chase Utley to force Encarnacion for the second out.

Utley’s relay to first baseman Wes Helms caught Ross by a step to complete Philadelphia’s first triple play since May 15, 1999, against the New York Mets. The triple play helped the Phillies preserve a 2-1 lead.

Rockies shuffle pitchers

Denver – The Colorado Rockies placed reliever Ramon Ramirez on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained right elbow Saturday and designated pitcher Matt Herges for assignment.

Colorado called up right-handed pitchers Ryan Speier and Bobby Keppel from Triple-A Colorado Springs.

D’backs put Cruz on DL

San Francisco – The Arizona Diamondbacks placed right-hander Juan Cruz on the 15-day disabled list Saturday with a strained muscle below the back of his right shoulder and recalled righty Dustin Nippert from Triple-A Tucson.

Cruz, who was 2-0 with a 3.24 ERA in seven appearances, injured himself Thursday.