Baseball

Astros: Designated 1B J. R. Phillips for assignment.

Athletics: Placed OF Mike Neill (subluxation of right shoulder) on DL. Added 3B Ed Sprague to roster.

Cardinals: Gave IF Brian Hunter unconditional release. Recalled SS Luis Ordaz from Triple-A Memphis.

Diamondbacks: Purchased P Barry Manuel from Triple-A Tucson.

Dodgers: OF Gary Sheffield will meet with NL president Leonard Coleman today to appeal three-game suspension for his part in June 28 brawl.

Indians: Placed IF Jeff Branson (strained left hamstring) on DL. Recalled IF Enrique Wilson from Triple-A Buffalo.

Mets: Optioned C Vance Wilson and OF Benny Agbayani to Triple-A Norfolk.

Rangers: Placed P Scott Bailes on 15-day DL. Recalled P Al Levine from Triple-A Oklahoma.

Hockey

Avalanche: Signed RW Scott Parker and LW Nick Bootland to three-year contracts. Signed RW Shean Donovan, D Jeff Buchanan and D Ted Crowley to one-year contracts.

Pub Date: 8/03/98