Four days after winning his second consecutive...

Four days after winning his second consecutive Olympic gold medal in the javelin, Jan Zelezny of the Czech Republic worked out for the Atlanta Braves, hoping to begin a new career as a pitcher.

Zelezny’s lack of baseball knowledge was quickly apparent. Pitching coach Leo Mazzone had to instruct him on even the most rudimentary aspects of pitching, including the grip and three-step process for delivering the ball. Then Zelezny’s third pitch sailed over the head of bullpen catcher Ned Yost--and over the eight-foot-high screen behind Yost.

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Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Paul Wagner underwent reconstructive surgery on his right elbow and may not pitch again until next season.

Wagner, 28, was 4-8 with a 5.40 earned-run average in 16 appearances. He started the season 3-0 with an 0.77 ERA, only to lose all but one of his final nine decisions.