The Atlanta Braves are still America's baseball team, according to the Harris Poll. The Braves came out No. 1 for the sixth straight year when fans were asked to name their favorite baseball team.

The New York Yankees were second, followed by the Chicago Cubs in a telephone poll of 1,007 adults between May 21 and 28.

The Braves were designated as their favorite team by 16 percent of those surveyed, while the Yankees were picked by 12 percent. The Cubs were the favorites of seven percent.

Interleague baseball again won overwhelming approval in the survey, even increasing its huge approval rating of the previous year. This time, 81 percent of those polled said interleague games were a good idea, up from the 73 percent who approved last year.

DODGERS: Pitcher Ramon Martinez, who left Sunday's game in the fifth inning because of shoulder stiffness, will miss his next start after an MRI revealed a cartilage tear and increased wear in his right rotator cuff.

The Dodgers said that Martinez (7-3, 2.83) will be available to pitch during their next home stand.

Martinez said he will seek a second opinion on whether an operation is needed.

REDS: Cincinnati optioned struggling outfielder Jon Nunnally to Triple-A Indianapolis and recalled outfielder Tony Tarasco.

Nunnally, 26, is batting .215 with five homers and 16 RBIs. He hit .318 with 13 homers and 35 RBIs in 65 games with Cincinnati in 1997.

Pub Date: 6/16/98