The Associated Press

MILWAUKEE - Houston Astros pitcher Andy Pettitte was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday with a strained left elbow.

Pettitte, signed to a three-year, $31.5-million free-agent contract in December after spending nine years with the New York Yankees, injured the elbow while trying to check his swing in his first start on Tuesday against San Francisco.

An MRI on Thursday revealed inflammation in the elbow and a strain in his flexor tendon.

ATHLETICS: Second baseman Mark Ellis will miss the entire season with a right shoulder injury that requires surgery.

Ellis, who has been rehabilitating in Phoenix, was in the Bay Area on Saturday to meet with team doctor Jerrald Goldman about the latest MRI on the shoulder. The test revealed a torn labrum, and Goldman will perform the operation. No date had been set.

Ellis initially was expected to miss about two months after he dislocated his shoulder in a collision with shortstop Bobby Crosby during a spring training game against the Chicago Cubs on March 25.

METS: All-Star catcher Mike Piazza is slated to make his first start at first base for the today against the Montreal Expos in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

New York manager Art Howe said he made the decision because it is a day game after Saturday's night game, and he wants to give Piazza a little rest while keeping his bat in the lineup.

Howe said he thinks the new artificial turf in Hiram Bithorn Stadium will ease the transition for Piazza. "It's early in the season, so I think it'll be good for him," Howe said.

SHORT HOPS: Atlanta shortstop Rafael Furcal was out of the starting lineup Saturday and was expected to miss at least one more game after injuring his back.

• The Boston Red Sox purchased right-hander Frank Castillo's contract from Triple-A Pawtucket on Saturday and designated first baseman Brian Daubach for assignment.

• Manager Jack McKeon and his World Champion Marlins received their World Series rings Saturday. "It's a very special day," McKeon said. "After 50 years to finally get one, I'll enjoy it."

• The Twins recalled outfielder Lew Ford from Triple-A to take the roster spot of Torii Hunter, who went on the disabled list Friday with a hamstring injury