Dodgers' Broxton optioned to Suns

Jonathan Broxton had his best outing for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday, but Monday, the Dodgers optioned the Waynesboro-native to the Double-A Jacksonville (Fla.) Suns.

Broxton, a right-handed relief pitcher, held the Florida Marlins scoreless for 1Q innings Sunday - his longest outing in eight appearances with the Dodgers - and struck out three for the second time.

The Dodgers promoted Broxton on July 28, and he made his major league debut July 29. He had a 7.04 ERA in 7w innings, with 15 strikeouts and nine walks.

Broxton returns to Jacksonville, where he had a 4-3 record, four saves and a 3.36 ERA as a starter-turned-reliever.

- Los Angeles left-hander Odalis Perez was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained muscle on his right side. The move was retroactive to Thursday.

Perez, 7-7 with a 4.73 ERA in 17 starts, is scheduled to see a doctor in Los Angeles to determine the extent of the injury.

YANKS' BIG DISAPPOINTMENT: A day after Randy Johnson gave up four home runs in one inning during a loss at Chicago, the Yankees admitted the Big Unit has struggled during his first season in New York.

"He hasn't performed to his expectation or ours, but that's not something that hasn't happened before, either," general manager Brian Cashman said before Monday night's game against Toronto.

Johnson, acquired during the off-season from Arizona, is 11-8 with a 4.34 ERA and has allowed 29 home runs - one shy of his career high and the second-most in the major leagues behind Cincinnati's Eric Milton (35). The five-time Cy Young Award winner, who has been bothered by a bad back, is winless in four starts since July 26, going 0-2.

- Derek Jeter was out of New York's starting lineup against Toronto night because of a slightly jammed right thumb. Jeter was hurt sliding Saturday at Chicago, Yankees spokesman Rick Cerrone said.

ORIOLES: Baltimore reacquired right-hander James Baldwin claiming him off waivers from the Texas Rangers.

Baldwin excelled in long relief for Baltimore before being designated for assignment July 18. Baldwin went 0-2 with a 5.19 ERA in eight games for the Rangers.