BASEBALL

Mets Could Get El Duque Back for World Series

If the Mets reach the World Series, they might get a major boost on the mound from Orlando Hernandez.

Sidelined by a torn muscle in his right calf, El Duque threw 72 pitches during an encouraging bullpen session Sunday and could be back in time for the Fall Classic if New York gets past the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL championship series.

“It’ s certainly a possibility, absolutely,” pitching coach Rick Peterson said Monday. “Felt great, no discomfort, threw the ball well, commanded his pitches well. He’ s been throwing all along — very gingerly because of the leg, but he feels great.”

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Miami Extends One Suspension, FIU Dismisses Two in Wake Of Melee

The University of Miami extended the suspension of one player and said further disciplinary measures will be taken in the wake of a sideline-clearing brawl with Florida International.

The Hurricanes’ sophomore safety, Anthony Reddick, was suspended indefinitely following further consultation yesterday with the Atlantic Coast Conference, the school said. Reddick charged across the field, helmet raised over his head, and slammed it into an opposing player during the melee.

Meanwhile, the Golden Panthers took a much harsher stance — dismissing two players, Chris Smith and Marshall McDuffie Jr., and extending the suspensions of all other 16 sanctioned players indefinitely.

FOOTBALL

McNair Won’t Miss Next Game

Steve McNair is expected to recover from a concussion and neck sprain sustained Sunday in time for Baltimore’ s next game. When he returns, it will be as the starting quarterback.

The Ravens have a bye this week, which means McNair will have additional time to bounce back from the injuries he received in a 23-21 loss to Carolina. He was helped off the field after being sacked in the first quarter by Mike Rucker and Chris Draft.

“Steve is here today, and he’ s doing pretty good,” coach Brian Billick said Monday at the team’ s practice facility. “He’ s groggy. He went through the full gauntlet of tests. He seems to be OK, and right now there’ s no reason to believe he won’ t be available for us in two weeks when we go to New Orleans.

Rams Trade Hargrove To Buffalo

Defensive end Anthony Hargrove, who lost his starting job with the St. Louis Rams after skipping two days of practice and meetings this season, was traded yesterday to the Buffalo Bills for a fifth-round draft choice in 2007.

Hargrove was inactive Sunday, when the Rams lost 30–28 to Seattle, and has played just three games this season. The third-round selection out of Georgia Tech in 2004 played in 35 games for St. Louis, starting 19. He has just two tackles, one assist and a half sack this season.

HOCKEY

Malkin To Make NHL Debut Tomorrow

Penguins center Evgeni Malkin, out since injuring a shoulder in his first preseason game, will make his NHL debut tomorrow night against New Jersey.

Malkin, the no. 2 pick in the 2004 NHL draft, dislocated his shoulder September 20 while colliding with teammate John LeClair behind the net. He returned to practice Friday with a shoulder support and has been cleared to resume playing.

“I’m a little bit nervous before every game, but I’m not going to be too much more nervous before the first one,” Malkin said through a translator after practice yesterday. “But we will see how it goes.”

In 2005–06, Malkin had 47 points in 46 games for Magnitogorsk in the Russian Super League and six points in seven games for Russia at the Turin Olympics.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Duke’s Paulus Out Indefinitely With a Foot Injury

Duke point guard Greg Paulus is out indefinitely with a foot injury, though it’s not known if the Blue Devils captain will miss any games.

The sophomore injured his left foot Saturday, the second day of practice, a team spokesman, Jon Jackson, said. Paulus apparently first injured the foot during high school, and reaggravated it over the weekend.

Paulus was being reevaluated yesterday.

Losing Paulus for a lengthy period would be a serious blow for a young team already looking for leadership. Paulus joined Josh McRoberts as the first sophomores in program history to be selected as team captains, while fellow captain DeMarcus Nelson is the team’s lone upperclassman on scholarship.

— Associated Press