NL | Tardy Jimmy Rollins benched by Phils manager

Jimmy Rollins was yanked from Philadelphia's lineup after arriving late to Shea Stadium on Thursday, making the reigning National League MVP a spectator for much of the Phillies' 3-1 loss to the Mets in New York.

Rollins, who was pulled from a game on June 5 for failing to run hard on a pop-up that was dropped, said he got caught in traffic.

"We're not going to agree on this one," said Rollins, who met with manager Charlie Manuel before the game. "I agreed with him on the last one, but we're not going to agree on this one. Charlie's the manager. He doesn't want to set precedents for certain players. I understand that. It's already done. Me and Charlie spoke about it. It's done."

Eric Bruntlett, who replaced Rollins at shortstop and in the leadoff spot, tied a season high with three hits for the Phillies.

"That's one of our rules: Hustle and be on time," Manuel said. "That's all I want to say about Jimmy."

Rollins pinch-hit in the ninth and bounced into a fielder's choice for the final out, ending his 10-game hitting streak.

"I commend Charlie for standing up for the rules that he has," said Phillies left-hander Jamie Moyer, who allowed one run in seven innings in a no-decision.

Thursday's game started at 12:10 p.m., and Manuel said Rollins failed to show up by the 10 a.m. report time. The team bus also was late, but Rollins traveled separately to the ballpark and arrived after the bus got there.

"You can't change lights and stuff," Rollins said.

Chicago: The Cubs might sell for more than $1 billion, which would be a record for a U.S. professional sports franchise, based on bids from five groups that the Tribune Co. accepted in the first stage of negotiations. Billionaire Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, is among the five finalists. ... The Cubs placed closer Kerry Wood on the DL for the 12th time in his 10-year career because of a blister on his pitching hand.

Milwaukee: The Nos. 2, 3 and 4 hitters — SS J.J. Hardy, OF Ryan Braun and 1B Prince Fielder — had nine of the Brewers' 10 hits in the win against St. Louis.

New York: RHP Pedro Martinez returned home to the Dominican Republic after the death of his father. Pablo Jaime, 79, died after battling brain cancer for more than a year.

Philadelphia: 1B Ryan Howard needs one homer to become the third Phillies player to hit 30 or more in three consecutive seasons. Hall of Famers Chuck Klein and Mike Schmidt are the others.

Pittsburgh: OF Jason Bay's home run against San Diego was his 139th with the Pirates. He passed Hall of Famer Bill Mazeroski for eighth place on the franchise list.

St. Louis: Ryan Franklin's blown save against Milwaukee was his fifth in 19 chances.

San Francisco: The Giants finished 7-0 against the Nationals. It's only the third time since 1900 the franchise has swept a season series of more than three games.

Washington: Since returning from a 48-game absence with a shoulder tear, 3B Ryan Zimmerman is 5 for 12. He has a 12-game hitting streak dating to before his stint on the DL.

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