NL | Giants' Joe Martinez has concussion, facial fractures

The San Francisco Giants are optimistic that pitcher Joe Martinez will recover relatively quickly from a concussion and three small fractures sustained when he was hit in the head by a line drive. The 26-year-old Martinez will remain hospitalized for observation over the next three or four days.

San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy said Martinez was in good spirits when the two talked by phone on Friday.

"He said he can't wait to come back," Bochy said. "I can't tell you how long it will be before he's back on the mound, but I'd be surprised if he wasn't pitching in a month."

The right-hander was struck by Mike Cameron's line drive on Thursday night, and sustained hairline fractures on the right side of his face. Cameron was encouraged by reports that Martinez would be OK.

"I've been keeping tabs on it," Cameron said. "Everything is good, for starters."

Atlanta: The Braves' 6-5, 10-inning win lasted almost 6 hours, including a rain delay in the top of the fourth inning that lasted 2 hours, 2 minutes.

Chicago: C Geovany Soto was out of Friday's game because of a sore right shoulder and likely will not play in the three-game series.

Cincinnati: The Pirates-Reds series opener was postponed by rain. The game was not immediately rescheduled.

Colorado: The Rockies purchased the contract of RHP Matt Belisle from Class AAA Colorado Springs and designated RHP Juan Morillo for assignment.

Florida: 1B Jorge Cantu was back in the lineup after being hit on the left hand by a pitch Wednesday. "A bone had to be sticking out of his hand for him not to be in the lineup," manager Fredi Gonzalez said.

Houston: The Astros claimed RHP Wilton Lopez off waivers from San Diego and moved INF Aaron Boone (heart surgery) to the 60-day disabled list.

Los Angeles: The Dodgers placed RHP Hiroki Kuroda, their opening-day starter, on the 15-day DL with a mild strain in a muscle near his left ribs. LHP Eric Stults was recalled from AAA Albuquerque to start today against Arizona.

Philadelphia: C Carlos Ruiz left in the seventh inning with a right oblique strain and is day to day. But manager Charlie Manuel thinks Ruiz could be out for an extended period. "He hurt his rib cage," Manuel said. "That's the way they used to call it. The old-time diagnosis. If it's a strained rib cage, it's two weeks."

Pittsburgh: Manager John Russell had his swollen left elbow cleaned out at a hospital. The 48-year-old manager has experienced swelling in his joints because of gout, but said this was the worst problem he's had with the elbow.

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