Kent Breaks Wrist Washing His Truck

San Francisco second baseman Jeff Kent broke a bone in his left wrist while washing his truck and will be sidelined at least four weeks.

Kent, the 2000 National League most valuable player, revealed the injury to Giant trainer Stan Conte on Saturday morning after swelling and soreness set in overnight.

Kent, who owns a white pickup with four-inch lifts, was at a self-serve car wash in Scottsdale when he hurt himself Friday evening. He slipped and broke the wrist when he tried to break his fall.

“I was straddling the back of my truck when I slipped and fell,” Kent said. “I didn’t think much of it at the time and finished washing my truck. It started swelling up during the night and got really sore.”

Kent, who had X-rays done on the wrist, might return to San Francisco for further tests, which could reveal ligament damage. He will be put in a cast for the next month.

“The fracture is at the end of the bone, so we really caught a break,” Conte said. “He was pretty depressed when he came in this morning. I guarantee you he’ll never wash his car again as long as he’s a Giant.”

Giant Manager Dusty Baker said he’s still expecting Kent to start the regular season as the second baseman and clean-up hitter.

“I believe in miracles,” said Baker. “I want Jeff back as early as possible. Luckily it’s March 2 and not April 2.

“We’re counting on starting Jeff. If he can’t go, we’ll go to plan B, plan C or plan D.”

Kent said: “I came to camp in shape and I can still run and throw. I can also take one-arm swings. It’s not a major issue.”

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Jason Giambi needed only a few swings to prove what the New York Yankees already knew: He’s a perfect fit in pinstripes.

Giambi got off to a smashing debut for his new team, hitting a two-run homer in his very first at-bat and later launching a solo shot Saturday in a 6-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays at Tampa, Fla.

“I set my expectation level a little high today,” he said.

The star first baseman exited after five innings to high-fives from his teammates and a standing ovation from the crowd of 10,205 at Legends Field.

“That’s certainly a statement, even if it is just spring training,” owner George Steinbrenner gushed.

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Chan Ho Park gave up three hits and two runs in his Texas debut as the Rangers beat the Cincinnati Reds, 4-3, at Port Charlotte, Fla.

Park, who signed a five-year, $65-million contract as a free agent after six years with the Dodgers, surrendered a run-scoring double to Todd Walker and an RBI single to Adam Dunn in the third inning. Park walked two and struck out three in the 51-pitch outing.

“It’s the most pitches I’ve thrown in my first game,” Park said. “I would like to throw 100 pitches before the end of spring training.”

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The Milwaukee Brewers signed left-handed setup specialist Ray King to a two-year contract with a club option for a third season. Financial terms weren’t available.