01:00 AM EST on Sunday, March 26, 2006

Jeff Bagwell acknowledged yesterday what the Houston Astros told their insurance company weeks ago: The star first baseman is too hurt to play.

The multimillion-dollar question now is whether he'll ever be able to return.

Bagwell said he will start the season on the disabled list and consult with a doctor to see if it would be beneficial to remove bone spurs from his shoulder.

"I may never play again," he said. "It's been 15 years with the Astros. I have to do what's best for me, what's best for the Astros and best for baseball."

The 37-year-old Bagwell, perhaps the most popular player in franchise history, spent the spring in a contentious battle with the team while he tried to prove he could still play despite a chronically injured right shoulder.

The Astros filed an insurance claim in January to recoup about $15.6 million of the $17 million Bagwell is guaranteed this season in the final year of his contract, arguing he is too hurt to play. For now, he is on the 15-day disabled list. He must stay on the injured list all season for the Astros to collect their money.

Bagwell, a four-time All-Star, is the franchise leader in home runs (449), RBI (1,529) and runs (1,517). He returned late last season and could bat but couldn't throw. He went 1-for-8 with an RBI in the World Series.

He is the only first baseman with 400 home runs and 200 stolen bases in his career. Bagwell has been the Astros' first baseman on opening day the past 15 seasons.

Lance Berkman will move to first base to replace Bagwell, which means more playing time in the outfield for postseason stars Jason Lane and Chris Burke.

While Bagwell left open the possibility of a return, manager Phil Garner sounded like he doesn't expect him to play again.

"I've been an Astros player and now an Astros manager, and I celebrate Jeff's career," Garner said. "But I also celebrate the fact that he has his health, his family and he can enjoy what makes life really great."

Selig ponders Bonds probe

With Opening Day only a week away, it's highly likely commissioner Bud Selig will appoint someone to investigate Barry Bonds' ties to steroids within the next few days.

According to highly placed sources, Selig has been wrestling with the scope and language of an investigation. It appears Bonds' alleged use of steroids, as reported in the book Game of Shadows, which largely followed the same trails as federal prosecutors in the BALCO investigation, will be the primary focus, but that could open doors involving other players, including Jason Giambi and Gary Sheffield.

Bonds has had an amazing spring considering questions about his knee and the storm clouds over his career. He entered the weekend having gone 9-for-13 with four home runs and eight RBI.

Yesterday Bonds was scratched from the San Francisco Giants' lineup for an exhibition game due to a strained left elbow. Giants trainer Stan Conte stressed the move was strictly a precaution for the seven-time N.L. MVP.

Good news for Thomas

Oakland designated hitter Frank Thomas was cleared for game action yesterday following an examination on his left ankle by the team doctor.

It was as simple as watching him run on dirt with spikes.

Thomas, who has not played since last July with the world champion Chicago White Sox because of a fracture in his left ankle, has been participating in games at the A's minor-league complex. He ran the bases on the infield dirt on Friday and reported no significant pain.

He was limited to batting practice yesterday but is expected to play in today's game against the Colorado Rockies in Phoenix.