Tejada probation suggested

Washington — A federal prosecutor on Thursday recommended that All-Star shortstop Miguel Tejada get probation and no prison time for misleading Congress about the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

U.S. attorney Jeffrey Taylor said in a memo to Federal Magistrate Judge Alan Kay that Tejada deserves that reduced sentence because he has admitted wrongdoing, accepted responsibility and has no criminal record. Tejada is to be sentenced March 26.

Astros, Rodriguez close

Kissimmee, Fla. — Ivan Rodriguez is set to join the Houston Astros as soon as his physical is complete. The 13-time Gold Glove winner said Thursday that he plans to join the team Sunday and hopes to play that day.

He and the Astros have agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million contract, but the signing hasn’t been officially announced by the team pending the results of his physical.

The 37-year-old Rodriguez hit .276 with seven homers and 35 RBIs in 115 games last season with Detroit and the Yankees, who acquired him in July.

U.S. adds Longoria

Los Angeles — Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria replaced injured Chipper Jones on the United States roster for the semifinal round of the World Baseball Classic.Longoria was included on the 43-man provisional U.S. roster in January but left off the squad that opened the tournament.

Jones played in four WBC games before the Atlanta Braves slugger left the tournament because of a muscle strain in his right side.