Patterson goes for series split  —  Washington (2-4) at Houston (4-2), 2:05 p.m. ET  —  After dropping two of three over the weekend, the Nationals hope to split the four-game series as they take on the Astros at Minute Maid Park on Monday afternoon.  —  John Patterson will take the mound for the Nationals.

Rockies-Padres Preview  —  Colorado Rockies manager Clint Hurdle is trying to determine who to bat cleanup.  The way his entire lineup has swung the bats this weekend, it hasn't really mattered.  —  The Rockies hope to maintain their recent offensive surge and try for their first three-game sweep …

Bonds' slump shows Giant revelation  —  SAN FRANCISCO - Who needs Barry Bonds?  —  You're right, stupid question.  Point taken.  —  The Giants obviously need him — despite the super sized BALCO baggage he carries, the 24-7 ESPN coverage he commands and the circus that follows him from town to town …

Notes: Crisp may have broken finger  —  Center fielder sustains injury during awkward slide  —  BALTIMORE — As they were winging their way back to Boston following a 5-1 road trip to open the season, the Red Sox were presented with their first hurdle of the 2006 season.

Bullpen session slated for Prior  —  Rothschild to get look Tuesday at Wrigley  —  Cubs pitching coach Larry Rothschild will get an up-close look at Mark Prior when the right-hander throws on Tuesday at Wrigley Field.  —  Prior will be in town because of an ongoing lawsuit over a 2004 autograph session in Naperville.

Yankees power past Colon  —  Out-of-sorts ace exits in third as Angels miss chance at sweep  —  ANAHEIM — It may be early for concern, but Bartolo Colon is not himself.  —  Two starts into the season, Colon has yet to show the form that garnered Cy Young Award honors a year ago and he's looked less than ordinary in the process.

Tigers on deck as Sox end skid  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Detroit Tigers' quick start presents a familiar look to White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko.  —  "The worst thing you can do is call them a fluke," Konerko said Sunday before the Sox headed to Comerica Park to start a three-game series against the 5-1 Tigers.

MasterPhil  —  On Sunday, Phil Mickelson won the Masters tournament.  —  At the conclusion of every Masters tournament, the previous year's champion presents the current champion with the green jacket of Augusta National Golf Club's membership.  This year, Tiger Woods, the 2005 winner, did the honors.

Week One Wrapup  —  So we've reached the end of the first week of the 2006 baseball season.  I've decided to write a regular Sunday column wrapping up each week of the season, focusing mostly on the teams I follow, but I'm including a section called "Around the horn" looking at baseball in general.

Gagne's Surgery Is Quick and Easy  —  PHILADELPHIA — Eric Gagne's elbow surgery Friday was "a very simple little thing," according to Dr. Frank Jobe, and the All-Star closer could be back by late May.  —  Jobe and Dr. Ralph Gambardella removed a sensory nerve that caused pain when Gagne threw …

Penny, Dodgers earn twin bill split  —  Righty tosses seven strong innings, drives in go-ahead run  —  PHILADELPHIA — A year ago, Brad Penny was on the disabled list, his arm still weak from injury and his career prospects uncertain.  —  On Sunday, he looked like a staff ace.

Grand finale: Cubs rock Cards to sweep  —  Barrett bashes go-ahead slam late; Jones adds three-run shot  —  CHICAGO — Imagine having a tornado drop a large tree into your living room, then having to face St. Louis closer Jason Isringhausen with the game on the line.

Orioles add reliever Morris, cut Chavez  —  BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Orioles expanded their thin pitching staff to 12 players Sunday, purchasing the contract of reliever Cory Morris and designating catcher Raul Chavez for assignment.  —  The Orioles started the season with the theory …

Notes: Tracy happy with Pirates  —  Ex-Dodgers manager to face former team in home opener  —  PHILADELPHIA — Jim Tracy was on the speaker phone on Sunday morning from Cincinnati, his Pirates still winless but his spirit unbroken.  —  It's been six months since his five-year stint as Dodgers manager ended.

Chipper, Giles injured in Braves' loss  —  Jones sprains ankle, hurts knee; second baseman strains quad  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Atlanta lost half its infield to injuries in Sunday's 6-5 defeat at the hands of San Francisco, with third baseman Chipper Jones' knee and ankle much more worrisome …