Randy Johnson is expected to miss at least two starts as the 300-game winner recovers from a strained shoulder.

The San Francisco Giants placed the left-hander on the 15-day disabled list yesterday after he hurt himself on a swing Sunday.

The 45-year-old Johnson (8-6) underwent an MRI exam yesterday that revealed the strain.

"As of now we hope he can pitch when his 15 days are up," manager Bruce Bochy said before the Giants opened a series against the Florida Marlins. "We'll continue to evaluate him but also give him time to get his arm back. ... This guy's been amazing, what he's done and what he's accomplished. I'm sure age becomes a factor at this stage."

CUBS

SOURCE: TRIBUNE, RICKETTS REACH DEAL

The Tribune Co. has reached a written agreement to sell the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field and other assets to the family of TD Ameritrade founder Joe Ricketts for about $900 million, a person close to the negotiations said yesterday.

The agreement was reached over the weekend and a document outlining the deal — called a term sheet — was sent to Major League Baseball for review, according to the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been announced.

The term sheet is not a final agreement, according to the person, who added that it contains details on how the Ricketts family will finance the deal. The deal also would give the Ricketts family a 25 percent interest in a regional cable television sports network.

ELSEWHERE

Royals-Cubs trade: The Chicago Cubs have traded utilityman Ryan Freel to the Kansas City Royals for a player to be named and cash. Freel has been injured this season and was batting .140 overall when yesterday trade was made.

Padres: Infielder David Eckstein was placed on the 15-day disabled list yesterday with a hamstring injury. Eckstein pulled up lame while running out a groundball Sunday.