BASEBALL

METS PLACE ZAMBRANO ON DL The New York Mets placed right-hander Victor Zambrano on the 15-day disabled list with elbow tendinitis yesterday and called up right-hander Bartolome Fortunato to take his place.

Zambrano was sent back to New York after having his elbow tighten up in the second inning Tuesday against the Colorado Rockies. Test results showed flexor tendinitis, a similar problem to what Zambrano had before he was traded from Tampa Bay on July 30.

Zambrano won his first two starts for the Mets, allowing four earned runs over 14 innings, before leaving in the second inning against the Rockies Tuesday.

Fortunato came to the Mets with Zambrano in a trade that sent minor league pitchers Scott Kazmir and Joselo Diaz to the Devil Rays. He was 0-0 with a 3.38 ERA in six appearances for Triple-A Norfolk, and 0-0 with a 3.68 ERA in three games with Tampa Bay this season.

It is unknown exactly when Zambrano will be able to return, thought the Mets have said they will keep him on the shelf until he is totally pain free. With the Mets out of contention in the NL East, the club feels no need to rush him.

HOCKEY

DEVILS RE-SIGN BRYLIN Forward Sergei Brylin re-signed with the New Jersey Devils yesterday.

Brylin, entering his 11th NHL season, agreed to a multiyear deal. He appeared in all 82 regular-season games last year, and had 14 goals and 19 assists.

The Russian is among five Devils who have played on all three of New Jersey’s Stanley Cup championship teams.

BOXING

BOWE OUT OF PRISON, READY TO FIGHT Former heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe is coming out of retirement after a 17-month prison stint, with a scheduled return to the ring September 25.

His opponent has not yet been named for the bout at Fire Lake Casino, the casino said yesterday.

Bowe (40-1, 32 KOs), who turned 37 on August 10, was released from federal prison in May for kidnapping his first wife, Judy Bowe, and their five children in 1998. While in prison, Bowe reportedly lost 50 to 100 pounds.

During his trial, the judge barred Bowe from boxing because of possible brain damage, but according to Bowe’s attorney, the order was withdrawn when he was released from prison. His attorney added that he is fit to box after undergoing neurological testing.

GOLF

CINK OVERTAKES WOODS AT NEC Stewart Cink made five birdies on his first 10 holes at the NEC Invitational yesterday to lead by one shot over Rod Pampling when the rain-delayed first round was suspended by darkness.

Tiger Woods had the lead to himself until he finished with back-to-back bogeys to fall two shots off the lead. He was 3 under through 17 when play was suspended due to darkness.