NEW YORK — Bernie Williams underwent surgery Tuesday to repair torn cartilage in his left knee and isn't expected to return to the New York Yankees for four-to-six weeks. Williams went on the disabled list last week after he was bothered by a sore knee for about a month. Williams had a sprain and a tear of the medial meniscus.
ROCKER DEAL NEAR? The Tampa Bay Devil Rays hope to sign designated pitcher John Rocker to a minor-league contract Tuesday.
Rocker had been pitching for Double-A Orlando. The left-hander made two appearances earlier this season for the Devil Rays, allowing one run, two hits and three walks in one inning.
FAN CHARGED: Misdemeanor charges were filed Tuesday against a man who ran onto the field at Dodger Stadium during a game and tried to shake hands with Los Angeles outfielder Brian Jordan.
Oscar Villanueva, 26, of suburban Panorama City got onto the field with two outs in the ninth inning of the Dodgers' game against the Colorado Rockies last Wednesday night.
Villanueva ran toward Jordan with one hand extended.
GUILTY PLEA IN CHICAGO: A man who pleaded innocent in the father-son beating of a Kansas City Royals coach changed his plea to guilty Tuesday and will be sentenced June 18.
William Ligue Jr. was charged with two counts of aggravated battery last September after leading his teenage son onto the field at a Chicago White Sox game and beating Tom Gamboa, who was coaching at first base. Ligue's son was sentenced to five years' probation.
The change of plea was unexpected. Marcy Jensen, spokeswoman for the state's attorney's office, said his sentence could range from probation to five years in prison.