TUCSON, Ariz. -- Greg Maddux was scratched from a scheduled
start Monday for the San Diego Padres against the Chicago White Sox
because of a a mild lower abdominal strain.
Maddux felt a slight strain since his last start, on March 8
against the Chicago Cubs, and was pulled for precautionary reasons.
"He would have been available during the season, but why push
it on March 12?" San Diego manager Bud Black said.
Maddux gave up two runs and five hits in three innings against
the Cubs. He has a 3.60 ERA in two spring training starts, allowing
two runs and striking out four in five innings.
Maddux, who turns 41 next month, is 333-203 with a 3.08 ERA in
21 major league seasons.