Mota Will Go on the Disabled List

Closer Guillermo Mota of the Florida Marlins will be put on the 15-day disabled list today because of an elbow injury.

Tests on his right elbow Saturday revealed inflammation. The Marlins will put him on the disabled list and make a corresponding roster move to fill his spot.

Mota, acquired from the Dodgers along with catcher Paul Lo Duca and outfielder Juan Encarnacion for pitcher Brad Penny and first baseman Hee-Seop Choi in July, is 0-1 with a 1.86 earned-run average and two saves in 10 games.

Todd Jones got his first save Friday night when Mota wasn’t available. Florida also is without injured reliever Antonio Alfonseca.

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Pittsburgh Pirate catcher Benito Santiago refused a minor league rehabilitation assignment and will keep working out with the team, a decision that could delay his return.

Santiago, expected to be the Pirates’ starting catcher, was eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list Saturday after being sidelined because of a viral infection.

Santiago said he’s fine and ready to play and, as a 19-year major league veteran, said he didn’t see the necessity of going to the minors.