After spending the past season and a half as the Los Angeles Dodgers' first baseman, Garciaparra will move to third base, perhaps as early as Friday.

''We're trying to get ourselves in a position where we can be the best we can be, and that option right now is there for us,'' manager Grady Little said Monday. ''Nomar's 100 percent on board. He's been over there before. It's not a strange place for him.''

It opens up a chance for streaking James Loney to play first base. Loney is hitting .429 since being recalled from the minor leagues June 10.

Johnson close to return

One week after being diagnosed with a herniated disk, Randy Johnson looked sharp in a simulated game and could be close to returning to Arizona's starting rotation.

Johnson, on the disabled list since June 11, threw 41 pitches over two innings to teammates Jeff DaVanon and Augie Ojeda before the Diamondbacks played the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Maroth joins Cards

The St. Louis Cardinals added lefty Mike Maroth to their roster and made room by putting yet another pitcher on the 15-day disabled list, sidelining reliever Tyler Johnson.

The Cardinals got Maroth from Detroit last Friday in a trade for a player to be named. Maroth started Monday night against the Mets.

Johnson has been bothered by tendinitis in his left biceps. The move with the left-hander was made retroactive to June 19.

Lo Duca suspended

Mets catcher Paul Lo Duca was suspended for two games and fined $2,000 on Monday following a weekend tantrum aimed at umpire Marvin Hudson. Lo Duca appealed the penalty and cannot be disciplined until after a hearing is held.