Baseball Notes: Mets' Schneider returns to lineup

Catcher Brian Schneider was activated from the disabled list yesterday and put in the New York Mets' starting lineup against the Florida Marlins.

Manager Jerry Manuel also gave third baseman David Wright and outfielder Gary Sheffield the day off, and said that injured starter Oliver Perez experienced a setback in his rehabilitation and will be sent to the team's training facility in Florida today.

Schneider was placed on the DL nearly six weeks ago because of a muscle strain in his back. He made his first start since April 15 and went 1 for 3 in the Mets' 7-3 loss.

The Mets had done all right without him, winning six of their last eight games. A big reason has been Omir Santos, a 28-year-old rookie catcher who has provided an offensive spark.

Marlins. All-star shortstop Hanley Ramirez is back in Florida's lineup.

Manager Fredi Gonzalez also shook up his batting order for yesterday's game against the Mets, which the Marlins won, 7-3, in New York. He moved Chris Coghlan to the leadoff spot and dropped speedy Emilio Bonifacio to second.

Ramirez, who was 2 for 5 with a run scored, left Tuesday night's 5-3 loss to the Phillies in the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. He felt tightness in his right groin after beating out a grounder to shortstop for a single.

Yankees. Andy Pettitte is expected to make his next scheduled start for New York on Wednesday against Texas despite leaving his most recent outing with a strained lower back.

Pettitte was removed in the sixth inning Friday night against Cleveland. The lefthander strained his back earlier in the week against the Rangers and slipped on the wet mound a couple of times Friday.

Red Sox. Boston rightfielder Rocco Baldelli left yesterday's game against Toronto in the fifth inning after slamming into a wall in foul territory and injuring his left knee. He was replaced by J.D. Drew.

X-rays of Baldelli's knee found no damage. He was hurt when he slid while trying to catch a foul pop from Aaron Hill.

Padres. San Diego activated Cliff Floyd from the 15-day disabled list before last night's game with Colorado. He had been sidelined by a strained right shoulder and went on the DL on April 5.

Reds. Cincinnati placed first baseman Joey Votto on the 15-day disabled list, citing stress-related issues linked to his recent struggles with an inner-ear infection. He ranks among the National League leaders with a .357 batting average. He has eight home runs and 33 RBIs.

Second baseman Brandon Phillips returned to the lineup, batting cleanup. He hadn't started since May 23 because of a hairline fracture on the tip of his right thumb.