The Associated Press

HOUSTON - Texas slugger Juan Gonzalez rejected a trade to the Montreal Expos on Friday, exercising a no-trade clause in his contract three days after the teams agreed to a deal.

Rangers general manager John Hart made a deal Tuesday to send the two-time AL MVP to the Expos for prospects, possibly three, if the 33-year-old outfielder accepted the trade.

But in a statement before Friday night's game against the Houston Astros, Gonzalez said he would remain with the Rangers.

"During my career, I've learned a lot," Gonzalez said. "I signed with Texas as a kid. Texas is a very special place to me. Also, Omar Minaya is a very special person in my life, and I want to thank Montreal and him for their interest. However, I have a no-trade clause and respectfully decline the trade to Montreal."

Gonzalez is in the last year of his $24 million, two-year deal.

JOHNSON ABROAD: Davey Johnson is managing again - in the Netherlands.

Johnson, who led the New York Mets to the World Series title in 1986, was hired as interim manager of the Dutch national team Friday.

Johnson is coaching the national squad at a tournament this week and will manage the team at the European championships from July 11-19. He'll also manage if the team makes it to the European Olympic qualifying event from July 23-27.

ASTROS: Second baseman Jeff Kent was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday because of tendinitis in his left wrist, which already has caused him to miss seven games. Kent has 11 home runs and leads the team with 50 RBI.

TWINS: Milwaukee purchased the contract of veteran right-hander Dave Burba on Friday from Triple-A Indianapolis.

Burba, signed by the Brewers to a minor league contract May 4, will make his 2003 debut today against the Minnesota Twins.

SHORT HOPS: Atlanta activated reliever Roberto Hernandez from the 15-day disabled list and optioned pitcher Jason Marquis to Triple-A Richmond on Friday.

• St. Louis recalled right-hander Jimmy Journell from Triple-A Memphis on Friday.

Journell was 1-5 as a starter before moving to the bullpen. He was 3-0 with a 1.07 ERA in relief.

• Detroit activated first baseman Carlos Pena from the 15-day disabled list. Pena, who is hitting .235 with six homers and 20 RBI in 49 games, had been sidelined since June 2 with a strained hamstring.