31.   The San Jose Sharks said center Bernie Nicholls is expected to miss the remainder of the season after undergoing hernia surgery.

32.   Torre had pleaded with Steinbrenner to let Gooden, on the disabled list recovering from hernia surgery, accompany the team on the road.

33.   Vanney had hernia surgery last month and is listed as doubtful tonight.

34.   Atlanta Braves infielder Kurt Abbott is to undergo hernia surgery Tuesday and could miss six more weeks.

35.   At the time, hernia surgery required full anesthesia and was followed by six to eight weeks of bed rest.

36.   Coming off hernia surgery and a shoulder operation, Barkley did not plan to play in the exhibition game but coached one of the teams.

37.   Designated hitter David Justice, who is coming back after double hernia surgery in January, said he is ready to play in the outfield.

38.   Erick Dampier had hernia surgery.

39.   Graeme Lloyd, recovering from double hernia surgery in December, has been hampered by a hip flexor injury.

40.   Harlock was a non-roster player after he failed to pass a training-camp physical after hernia surgery in September.