Mets' Schneider Out With Thumb Infection

Mets C Brian Schneider was sent back to New York and hospitalized yesterday for treatment of an infection on his left thumb.

He was expected to be in the hospital for 24 to 48 hours and on intravenous medication, and the team hopes to avoid having to put Schneider on the disabled list.

"They're going to see if that clears it up," Mets GM Omar Minaya said.

Schneider -- batting .309 with no extra-base hits and eight RBI -- was replaced by Raul Casanova in the starting lineup last night against the Nationals. Left without a backup catcher for the game, New York designated OF Brady Clark for assignment and selected the contract of C Gustavo Molina from Class AAA New Orleans.

Minaya said there was no cut or other injury that led to the infection.

· ROCKIES: Brian Fuentes will take over as Colorado's closer after Manny Corpas blew save chances in consecutive games.

Corpas, 0-1 with a 7.50 ERA, has struggled after going 3 for 4 in save opportunities to start the season.

· RENOVATING: The Dodgers unveiled a four-year upgrade plan for Dodger Stadium that owner Frank McCourt said amounts to a new home for the team built around the nearly 50-year-old core of the old.

The plan includes a tree-lined entrance to a landscaped grand plaza beyond center field that will connect to a promenade of restaurants, shops and a Dodgers museum.

One plaza will have views encompassing downtown, the Pacific Ocean and mountains. It's all planned to be completed by Opening Day in 2012, with a price tag of about $500 million, according to a news release from Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's office.

-- From News Services