Baseline clubs. Double the concession stands and restroom facilities. They're all a part of Frank McCourt's master plan for putting Dodger Stadium on a par with the newer ballparks around the major leagues next season.

"We're committed to providing our fans with the best experience in sports. And to do that, we have to invest in this facility to make that a reality," McCourt said Tuesday.

"As far as whether these improvements are being made to compete with other ballparks, we think Dodger Stadium is unique. We think it's one of the great treasures in all of sports. What it lacks is simply the amenities of the new ballparks — which don't have the setting, the fan base or the history and the tradition that Dodger Stadium has."

None of the improvements, the team's owner said, will affect the club's approach in the free agent market.

"They are two totally independent things. That's a separate investment, a separate goal and a separate set of dynamics," McCourt said.

The Dodgers' opening day player payroll of $108,704,524, was the sixth highest in the majors.

"As far as putting a competitive team on the field, we also have to invest in that area," McCourt said.

Yankees drop Mussina from rotation: After winning 247 games in the major leagues, Mike Mussina lost his spot in the New York Yankees' rotation.

Following three terrible starts in a row, the 38-year-old right-hander was told by manager Joe Torre that he'll be passed over for his next scheduled start Saturday against Tampa Bay.

"He was disappointed, naturally. This was very difficult for me," Torre said. "We have relied on him every year since he's been here."

The Yankees will call up touted prospect Ian Kennedy, a first-round draft pick last year, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to pitch against the last-place Devil Rays in the middle of a pennant race.

Mets hopeful Martinez will rejoin rotation next month: Pedro Martinez could rejoin the New York Mets' rotation in September after making at least one minor rehab start in the minor leagues.

Mets general manager Omar Minaya said before Tuesday's game against the Phillies he was hopeful that if all goes well, Martinez could start during the final two weeks of the regular season.

Cubs' Soriano comes off DL: Alfonso Soriano returned to the Chicago Cubs' lineup Tuesday night, hoping to give the first-place team a boost in the final five weeks of the pennant race.

Soriano suffered a small tear in his right quadriceps as he was running the bases Aug. 5 against the Cardinals at Wrigley Field. As he rounded second base, he pulled up lame and hobbled into third base where he was tagged out. He was put on the DL the next day.

Online bidding begins for Bonds' historic home run balls: Electronic bidding began for Barry Bonds' 755th and 756th home-run balls, with the price for the record-breaker starting at $100,000.

Sotheby's/SCP Auctions is handling sales of the balls Bonds hit to tie and break Hank Aaron's home-run record. Bidding closes Sept. 15, when the winning offer is to be announced.

Sheets returns to Brewers: The Milwaukee Brewers will bring ace right-hander Ben Sheets off the disabled list today to start against the Chicago Cubs.

Sheets, on the DL since July 16 with a sprained middle finger on his right hand and bothered by blisters, threw in the outfield before Tuesday's 5-3 loss to the Cubs.

"He was fine," said manager Ned Yost, who announced after the game Sheets would start today.

Sheets is 10-4 with a 3.39 ERA in 19 starts this season. He missed 40 games and Milwaukee went 14-26 while he was on the DL, falling out of first place in the NL Central.