Baseball-Major League Baseball roundup

Sept 3 (The Sports Xchange) - The 2013 Major League Baseball season will not extend into November -- but it's close. Major League Baseball announced the playoff schedule for this year, and if there is a Game 7 of the World Series, it will be played Oct. 31. Of course, if there is a postponement for inclement weather, the World Series could get into November. The World Series will begin Oct. 23 at the home ballpark of the American League champ. - - Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Chris Perez was found guilty of misdemeanor drug abuse on Tuesday after withdrawing his original not guilty plea. Perez, who is participating in the Major League Baseball drug treatment program, was sentenced by the Rocky River Municipal Court to one year's probation and a $250 fine. Judge Brian Hagen also ordered him to speak to students about drugs, the Associated Press reported. Perez has a 5-2 record entering Tuesday, with a 3.15 ERA and 21 saves in 25 opportunities. - - The Pittsburgh Pirates activated closer Jason Grilli from the disabled list before Tuesday night's game against the Milwaukee Brewers and he was available to pitch, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported. The right-hander was sidelined in late July with a strained forearm. At the time he was injured, Grilli had 30 saves and a 2.34 ERA in 42 1/3 innings this season. - - Cleveland Indians starter Justin Masterson will miss at least one start and possibly more after an MRI on Tuesday revealed a strained oblique. Masterson (14-10) has a 3.52 ERA through 29 starts this season. The right-hander started Monday's game against Baltimore but left after five batters because of soreness in his ribcage. It's possible that the injury will sideline the All-Star for the rest of the season. - - Colorado Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez was activated from the disabled list before Tuesday night's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Gonzalez is limited to pinch running and playing in the field for at least a few days because of an injury to his right middle finger that gives him problems swinging the bat, The Denver Post reported. He is hoping to be able to get at-bats sometime this week. The 27-year-old Gonzalez, who has not played since early August. entered Tuesday night batting .302 with 26 home runs and 70 RBI in 103 games this season. (Editing by Frank Pingue)