MLB REPORT

BRAVES-CUBS POSTPONED

The scheduled game Saturday between the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves was postponed because of rain.

Rain was forecast all day in Chicago. The game was called about two hours before the scheduled first pitch at 1:20 p.m. While no makeup date was immediately announced, the game likely will be rescheduled for July 7, the day before the Braves open a series against the White Sox in Chicago. The Cubs also are off that day.

DETROIT TIGERS

C James McCann (sprained ankle) caught nine innings for Class AAA Toledo on Friday, but manager Brad Ausmus said McCann will continue his rehab assignment through the weekend.

McCann was expected to catch nine more innings Saturday and five innings on Sunday before rejoining the Tigers for their three-game series in Cleveland that begins Tuesday.

MINNESOTA TWINS

3B Trevor Plouffe (strained intercostal muscle) began a rehab assignment with Class A Fort Myers on Saturday. Plouffe has been on the DL since April 19. Bar- ring any setbacks, he is expected to join the Twins when they face the Astros on Tuesday at Minute Maid Park.

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

Third-base coach Jose Oquendo will undergo right knee replacement surgery next month and won’t return to the team this season.

The 52-year-old Oquendo was in St. Louis on Saturday to have the knee examined. He said the recovery time for the surgery is about six months.

Oquendo has been the third base coach for 16 seasons. He was placed on medical leave just before the season opener because of problems with the knee.

Oquendo is selling his house in St. Louis and moving to Florida, near where the team trains in Jupiter.

Chris Maloney is now coaching third base, with Bill Mueller moving to first, Maloney’s old spot.

Oquendo had a 17-year career in the majors that included 10 seasons with St. Louis.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS

C Wilson Ramos remained on the bereavement list while in Venezuela following the death of his grandfather.