Jurrjens' work rained out

KISSIMMEE, Fla. --- Jair Jurrjens hasn't had much luck with the weather this spring, but the Atlanta Braves right-hander is still on track to make his first regular-season start April 8 against the Chicago Cubs.

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Jurrjens fell victim to the rain again Sunday, which washed out Atlanta's scheduled game against the St. Louis Cardinals. He'll get his work in during a minor league game today as he continues in catch-up mode after reporting to spring training with a sore shoulder.

"I wanted to pitch today, but it's not a problem," Jurrjens said. "My shoulder feels good now, so I'm OK. I'll get my work in."

Jurrjens, who ranked third in the NL with a 2.60 ERA in 2009, didn't take the mound for the first time until March 12 because of shoulder inflammation -- and that game was also called because of rain. But he was able to get in two innings, allowing just one hit before the game was called.

"He missed a couple weeks because of his shoulder, but he'll be ready to go," Braves manager Bobby Cox said.

- His spring average down to .029, Braves outfielder Nate McLouth tried to get back on track by taking six at-bats in a minor league game moved to Sunday morning because of the threatening weather. McLouth is mired in a 1 for 35 funk with 14 strikeouts.

TWINS: Minnesota closer Joe Nathan will miss the 2010 season because of a right elbow injury that will require surgery.

Nathan, who leads the major leagues with 246 saves since 2004, made the decision after playing catch with Twins pitching coach Rick Anderson for 10 minutes on Sunday. He hopes to have Tommy John surgery within two weeks to repair the torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

- AL MVP Joe Mauer agreed to an eight-year, $184 million contract extension with Minnesota that includes a full no-trade clause, a massive deal that shows the Twins are no longer spending like a small-market club.

The deal covers the 2011-2018 seasons and is the fourth largest -- both in total value and average salary -- in major league history.

GIANTS: Two-time reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum was a bit wild early on Sunday in a game against San Francisco minor leaguers, but still managed to throw 5w shutout innings.

While his Giants teammates were playing against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the right-hander walked five, gave up three hits and struck out six while throwing 94 pitches. It was his longest outing of the spring. He was 0-2 with a 9.39 ERA before Sunday.

WHITE SOX: Chicago closer Bobby Jenks expects to be ready for the season opener after an MRI on his right calf revealed no structural damage.

DODGERS: Bruised physically and emotionally following a fall at his home Thursday, broadcaster Vin Scully showed he still has his sense of humor.

The 82-year-old Hall of Famer arrived in the desert Sunday to call his first game of the spring.

"I'm supposed to cut back on dangling participles, and I'm not allowed to split any infinitives for at least another week," Scully told reporters inside the Dodgers' spring training complex. "I am embarrassed over all the fuss and feathers. But somehow, I did it to myself, and I hope not to do it again."