31.   Nomo had elbow surgery last winter and Valdes complained of elbow problems this spring.

32.   Nor does it make things easier when the nature of these elbow problems is unknown.

33.   Olson was plagued by an elbow problem during the spring, but Johnston said this injury is in another area.

34.   Once considered the future ace of the Mets staff, Pulsipher fell out of favor with manager Bobby Valentine after missing considerable playing time with elbow problems.

35.   One bright spot could be the return of Steve Karsay, who has been fighting elbow problems for nearly three years.

36.   Pappas was criticized by shortstop Nomar Garciaparra after the word came down that closer Tom Gordon could be out for the year with an elbow problem.

37.   Payton, who has also had numerous elbow problems, just cannot seem to stay healthy.

38.   Right-hander Antonio Osuna, trying to overcome elbow problems that plagued him all last season, threw off the mound for the first time since undergoing surgery in September.

39.   Servais had been a big asset to the Astros while Tony Eusebio struggled with right elbow problems for almost two weeks.

40.   Smoltz, who has been on the disabled list twice this season with elbow problems, is listed as day to day.