WASHINGTON — Chicago Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano says he dislocated a finger and isn't sure when he'll return to the lineup.

Soriano was scratched for last night's game at Washington because of a swollen right pinkie.

"We'll see how he feels tomorrow," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said. "I think it'll probably be a few days. I don't think this thing will just go down in one day."

Soriano said he got hurt Thursday night when he was thrown out diving into first base during a 6-2 win over the Nationals.

"The problem is it's swollen," Soriano said. "It's very big, and I cannot even grab the bat."

Soriano's hand was wrapped with ice in the clubhouse. He said he hoped the swelling would go down enough for him to play today.

The Cubs have scratched left-hander Ted Lilly from his scheduled start today.

Piniella said Lilly has been bothered by soreness in his left knee after his last two starts, and the decision was made to give him the extra days of rest. Lilly should be available to start Monday at Philadelphia, Piniella said.

Right-hander Randy Wells will be pushed up a day to replace the All-Star.

PADRES

OF MACIAS RETURNS

The San Diego Padres have recalled outfielder Drew Macias from Triple-A Portland for the fourth time this season.

To make room on the roster, reliever Ryan Webb was optioned to the Beavers yesterday.

Macias, 26, hit .278 with a home run and five RBIs in three previous stints with the Padres this season.

RANGERS

EL DUQUE RELEASED

El Duque's comeback attempt with the Texas Rangers has ended.

Texas released Orlando Hernandez from his minor league contract yesterday, making the right-hander a free agent just more than a month after he signed.

Hernandez was 2-0 with a 2.45 ERA in eight relief appearances for Triple-A Oklahoma since being activated three weeks ago. He had 12 strikeouts and four walks in 11 innings.

ROYALS

GUILLEN DELAYED

Royals right fielder Jose Guillen was not on hand for Kansas City's game against Tampa Bay last night because he was late getting back from the Dominican Republic.

Manager Trey Hillman said Guillen was delayed because his son was ill at their home in the Dominican. Hillman said Guillen, who is hitting .243 with nine homers and 37 RBIs, was expected to be in the lineup for tonight's game.

RED SOX

LOWELL ACTIVATED

The Boston Red Sox activated third baseman Mike Lowell off the 15-day disabled list and promoted right-hander Clay Buchholz from Triple-A Pawtucket to start last night's game against Toronto.

To make room on the roster, Boston designated shortstop Julio Lugo for assignment and optioned first baseman Aaron Bates to Triple-A.

Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein also said the team had been discussing a contract extension for outfielder Jason Bay and made him an offer last week. Unable to reach a deal, the two sides agreed to shelve talks until after the season.