Baseball

Angels: Activated 1B-OF Darin Erstad from 15-day DL. Optioned 1B Chris Pritchett to Triple-A Vancouver.

Cubs: Optioned IF Jose Nieves to Triple-A Iowa.

Marlins: Recalled P Rafael Medina from Triple-A Charlotte. Placed P Matt Mantei (sprained right ankle) on 15-day DL.

Rangers: Assigned P Scott Bailes to Triple-A Oklahoma on rehabilitation assignment. Signed P Tony Fossas to contract with Oklahoma.

Rockies: Returned P David Cortes to Braves for player to be named; Cortes had been acquired from Atlanta on July 30 along with P Mike Porzio in exchange for Greg Colbrunn.

Royals: Placed 1B Jeff King (sore lower back) on 15-day DL, retroactive to Aug. 16, and IF Scott Leius (strained hamstring) on 15-day DL, retroactive to Aug. 14. Purchased contract of P Brian Barber from Triple-A Omaha. Activated 1B-OF Jeff Conine from 15-day DL.

White Sox: Optioned P Carlos Castillo to Calgary.

College

Morgan State: Named Dexter Davis defensive backs coach.

North Carolina: Suspended DT Ricco McCain and DT Varian Ballard from team-related activities for failing to finish court-appointed community service on time for misdemeanor assault.

Texas: Men's basketball G Bernard Smith is transferring to Houston.

Football

Bengals: Waived S Cory Gilliard, WR Jason Tucker, LB Tim Terry, FB Ty Douthard, DE Jeff Leonard and OT Derrick LeVake.

Dolphins: Waived S Bracey Walker.

Eagles: Released WR Chris T. Jones.

Jaguars: Signed LB Erik Storz and FB Ron Janes. Waived FB Jason Lawson.

Packers: Placed LB Keaton Cromartie on waivers.

Patriots: Released G Matt Cox, TE Scott Dragos, WR Todd Doxzon, WR Mike Geter, WR Denis Montana and S Brian Lee.

Hockey

Capitals: Traded C Jeff Nelson to Predators for future considerations.

Islanders: Signed D Dean Malkoc.

Pub Date: 8/20/98