Cardinals: Placed OF Ron Gant (hamstring) on 15-day DL. Purchased contract of OF Shawn Gilbert from Triple-A Memphis. Signed OF Tim Lemon, 1998 second-round draft pick, and assigned him to Rookie-level Johnson City.

Cubs: Optioned P Kevin Foster to Triple-A Iowa. Purchased contract of OF Pedro Valdes from Iowa.

Mariners: Recalled IF Rico Rossy from Triple-A Tacoma. Optioned IF/OF Charles Gipson to Tacoma. Transferred P Rafael Carmona from 15-day to 60-day DL.

Padres: Acquired C Jim Leyritz and minor-league OF Ethan Faggett from the Boston Red Sox for P Carlos Reyes, P Dario Veras and C Mandy Romero. Recalled P Will Cunnane from Triple-A Las Vegas.

Twins: Placed DH Paul Molitor (broken rib) on 15-day DL. Purchased contract of 1B Scott Stahoviak from Triple-A Salt Lake.

White Sox: Recalled P Bob Howry from Triple-A Calgary. Released P Tony Castillo.

Basketball

Mercury (WNBA): Activated C Marlies Askamp from injured list. Placed C Maria Stepanova (sore left foot) on injured list.

Pub Date: 6/22/98