Giants Will Start Season Without Kent

The San Francisco Giants have decided to open the season with second baseman Jeff Kent, who has a broken left wrist, on the 15-day disabled list.

Kent has been playing in Arizona with Fresno, the Giants’ triple-A affiliate in the Pacific Coast League. He had three hits in seven at-bats and played all nine innings in a Saturday game.

Kent is eligible to be activated Saturday. The Giants open their season Tuesday against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.

The National League MVP in 1999, Kent told reporters he injured his wrist while washing his truck. But later reports said he may have had an accident while riding his motorcycle near the Giants’ spring home, Scottsdale Stadium.

Looking on the bright side, Giant Manager Dusty Baker said at least the injury didn’t happen late in the season, when Kent’s health will be essential.

“If you’re going to lose them, you might as well lose them early,” Baker said.

The Giants also put right-handed starter Jason Schmidt, who has a strained groin, on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 21.

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Tim Raines was added to the Florida roster and will spend his 23rd major league season with the Marlins. Raines, 42, will be used mostly as a pinch-hitter.

Raines is coming back from a debilitating battle with lupus, which sidelined him in July 1999. He returned last season and played in 51 games for Montreal and Baltimore, batting .303.

Second baseman Todd Walker of the Cincinnati Reds was hit on the left side of the face by a batted ball during the club’s workout Sunday, but was expected to play in their season opener.