New York Yankees starter Joba Chamberlain was removed from the game Monday against Texas in the fifth inning with what the club announced was a stiff right shoulder.

Trailing 5-4 in the fifth, Chamberlain gave up a two-out single to Marlon Byrd. When Chamberlain got back on the mound, assistant trainer Steve Donohue and manager Joe Girardi ran onto the field to check on Chamberlain.

Chamberlain could not continue and was replaced by Edwar Ramirez.

The Rangers had taken a 5-4 lead in the inning on Michael Young's three-run homer.

Wood ready to come off DL: Chicago Cubs closer Kerry Wood will come off the 15-day disabled list in the next couple of days after a long stay because of a blister on his right index finger.

Wood threw 30 pitches to hitters from the Wrigley Field mound after warming up and getting some work done in the bullpen hours before Sunday's game against the Pirates. He said he also did some throwing Monday morning.

Sidelined since July 11, Wood couldn't get the blister to heal until recently.

A's Chavez to have season-ending surgery: Oakland Athletics third baseman Eric Chavez will have surgery to repair fraying of the labrum in his right shoulder next week, ending his season after he played in just 23 games.

Assistant general manager David Forst said Chavez elected to have surgery now, rather than after the season, to increase his chances of being healthy in time for spring training.

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