01:00 AM EDT on Wednesday, April 28, 2004

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- Outfielder/designated hitter Ellis Burks had successful surgery on his left knee yesterday, with pieces of torn cartilage from his medial meniscus removed.

Doctors Joseph Chase and William Morgan performed the surgery at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, and Burks was able to leave after the procedure. He will begin a range-of-motion program when the swelling subsides, followed by a strengthening program. He's expected to return to the lineup in six weeks.

Nomar dons glove

Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra, who is rehabbing his right Achilles tendon, was able to take a few ground balls yesterday, ranging to his right and left for about 10 minutes. According to manager Terry Francona, Garciaparra will return today for a running program.

"He's getting better," said Francona. "I didn't expect him to look as good as he did. I know it's going slow for him, and for us, but he still looked good. He's making progress."

Game action for Nixon

Red Sox right fielder Trot Nixon, who is rehabbing a lower-back injury, went 1-for-3 in an extended spring training game yesterday in Florida. He was hit by a pitch, walked, singled to center and flied out twice to center. He played three innings in the field and recorded one putout. He's expected to DH today.

"We don't want to hurt him, trying to get him back," said Francona. "Believe me, when he's ready to come back, we'll have him back."

It's possible he could play for the PawSox in a few weeks as his rehab continues.

Reese under weather

Red Sox shortstop Pokey Reese, who was scheduled to start last night, was a last-minute scratch due to illness. Before the rain started around 6:45 last night, he was in full uniform with spikes and ready to play when he began to feel ill with flu-like symptoms. Team trainers examined him and found he had a 101 temperature. Francona replaced him with Cesar Crespo before the game was postponed. The Sox skipper said he would see how Reese felt today before deciding on the lineup.

Appreciating Zimmer

Don Zimmer, the former New York Yankees bench coach and current coach for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, returned to Fenway Park yesterday for the first time since last season's ALCS between the Yankees and the Red Sox. Zimmer made his displeasure known about New York owner George Steinbrenner when last season was over.

"Zim is a really good baseball man," said Devil Rays manager Lou Piniella. "He's got invaluable experience and he can help out in a lot of areas. When he became available, we hired him and we're very happy. We're pleased. He talks to the players and works with the staff. He's a fun guy, an upbeat guy and a fun man."

Around the bases

The Sox took the train home after their weekend series in the Bronx. The team chartered three club cars and Francona said the Sox had a blast traveling as in the days of old. In fact, when Francona managed in Philadelphia, he said the Phillies used to travel by train a few times each season. . . . While the Sox were on their recent road trip, the field at Fenway received a makeover. The infield was replaced with new sod, as well as a few spots in the outfield. . . . While trying to wait out last night's rain, the Sox watched Pedro Martinez' near-perfect game against the San Diego Padres as a member of the Montreal Expos in 1995.