NL Wire Notes: Keith Hernandez apologizes for comments

Keith Hernandez apologized Sunday for inappropriate comments he made Saturday night about San Diego's massage therapist Kelly Calabrese.

After Mike Piazza's second-inning home run Saturday, SportsNet New York's camera focused on Calabrese, who was in the dugout wearing a Padres camouflage uniform.

"Who is the girl in the [Padres] dugout?" Hernandez asked Gary Cohen, his play-by-play partner. "... I thought she was Morganna [Cottrell, "The Kissing Bandit"] for a minute, but she was a blond."

Cohen wondered if Calabrese's presence in the dugout could have something to do with "Military Night" at Petco Park. Hernandez said Calabrese was with the training staff. Cohen said that a woman trainer in the major leagues is "progressive."

"I won't say women belong in the kitchen. But they don't belong in the dugout," Hernandez said.

Cohen warned there could be "trouble brewing" after that commentary. "I'm only teasing," Hernandez said. "I love you gals out there. I always have."

In the fifth inning, Hernandez returned to the subject of Calabrese, who again was on camera. He referred to his second-inning commentary and elaborated on it.

"I stand by those statements. I think this is a man's game and I feel very strongly about it," Hernandez said. "And if anybody thinks when I made that comment about women being in the kitchen, and takes it seriously, well, get a sense of humor."

SportsNet New York officials were not laughing. Sources said Hernandez was reprimanded after the game by SNY executive producer Curt Gowdy Jr. That led to Sunday's apology during the second inning of the Mets-Padres game.

"In my discussion I made a couple of inappropriate comments," Hernandez said. "If I have offended anybody I sincerely apologize."

Chicago: Manager Dusty Baker said RHP Angel Guzman, recalled from Class AAA Iowa after RHP Jerome Williams was demoted to the minors, likely will start in Williams' spot on Wednesday although he'll be available for bullpen duty today.

Colorado: Slugger Todd Helton seems to be improving, although the stomach ailment that landed him in the hospital and on the disabled list Friday remained a mystery 48 hours later. "I think there is improvement," manager Clint Hurdle said. "More optimism maybe today than there was yesterday."

Los Angeles: Closer Eric Gagne, who underwent surgery on his right elbow April 7, will not travel to Houston with the Dodgers — but will join them Friday in San Diego to begin a light throwing program on flat ground from 60 to 90 feet.

Milwaukee: The Brewers walked 13 batters, their most in a game since Aug. 7, 2000, at San Francisco.

San Diego: The Padres activated Mike Cameron from the 15-day DL before the game and optioned pitcher Jon Adkins to AAA Portland. Cameron went 0 for 3 with two strikeouts and two walks.

San Francisco: The Giants purchased the contract of RHP Brian Wilson from Class AAA Fresno and designated RHP Tyler Walker for assignment.

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