21.   NL MVP Larry Walker also is having elbow trouble, and ace pitchers David Cone and Kevin Appier are taking it easy.

22.   The ace pitcher and the feared slugger are now even in the baseball department.

23.   The Red Sox have been plagued by injuries that sidelined ace pitcher Pedro Martinez and shortstop Nomar Garciaparra for lengthy stretches.

24.   The Tigers started the game by grabbing four runs from Red Sox ace pitcher Pedro Martinez.

25.   Ace pitcher Ramon Martinez strained a right groin muscle while trying to make a second inning fielding play.

26.   The Yankees signed Chicago White Sox ace pitcher Jack McDowell to go alongside Jimmy Key and give New York an impressive hurling combination.

27.   Son was immediately relieved by Korean ace pitcher Cho Sung-Min.