Allergic Reaction Hospitalizes Cruz

Toronto outfielder Jose Cruz Jr. was released from a Toronto hospital Wednesday after suffering a severe allergic reaction that was a “potentially life-threatening situation” the night before.

About 45 minutes before Tuesday night’s game against the Oakland Athletics at Toronto, Cruz, 24, was scratched from the lineup when he had trouble breathing and his eyes swelled up.

After examining him, team doctors, realizing the severity of the situation, gave Cruz an adrenaline shot.

“We didn’t realize how serious it was until we saw that his airway was closing,” said trainer Tommy Craig. “It could’ve been potentially life threatening if he didn’t have that.”

Blue Jay Manager Tim Johnson saw Cruz before the game and said he couldn’t even talk.

Cruz responded to the adrenaline shot but was taken to the hospital in order to find out was caused the reaction. While there, he received another shot.

After being released Wednesday, he returned to the hospital later for further tests.

“It’s probably something like pollen or ragweed or more likely something he ingested,” Craig said.

Cruz is expected to be sidelined until at least Friday.

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Scott Erickson, who could have become a free agent after the season, instead agreed to a $32 million, five-year contract extension with the Baltimore Orioles.

“Hopefully, this shows that they are making strides toward maintaining a pretty good ballclub,” said Erickson, 4-3 this season with a 5.46 earned-run average and a major league-best three complete games. “Right now, they’re starting with pitching, since that’s the most limited of the free-agent possibilities.”

Mike Mussina, the Orioles’ best pitcher, is signed through 2000, Baltimore has solidified its rotation and signed one of the 13 potential free agents on its roster.

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Right-hander Charles Nagy, who has led the Cleveland Indians in wins, strikeouts and innings pitched over the last three seasons, was rewarded with a four-year contract extension.

Financial terms were not disclosed but the deal includes a club option for the 2003 season.

Nagy, 31, has 61 victories since the 1994 season.

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The Boston Red Sox put shortstop Nomar Garciaparra on the 15-day disabled list because of mild shoulder separation sustained last Friday.

The move was retroactive to Saturday, meaning the 1997 AL rookie of the year will be eligible to come off the DL on May 24. Garciaparra had X-rays and an MRI exam on Monday, and no major damage was found in his right shoulder.

Garciaparra is batting .299 with five home runs and a team-high 27 RBIs.

The Red Sox filled his place on the roster by recalling left-handed pitcher Ron Mahay from triple-A Pawtucket.