Man Shot Dead Is Lankford’s Brother

The Inglewood Police Department asked for help from the public Monday in connection with the shooting death of Percival Thomley, a 19-year-old brother of St. Louis Cardinal outfielder Ray Lankford.

Thomley of Inglewood was visiting a friend when he was shot Saturday night. He died Sunday at Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, according to homicide detective Mark Campbell.

Campbell said Lankford was at home with his mother.

“Like the family, he’s in shock,” Campbell said of Lankford. “His brother had no criminal history, no ties with any gangs. It appears he’s just an innocent victim. Somebody just walked up on him and shot him.”

*

Colorado Rockies outfielder Larry Walker, who has participated in civilian “ride-alongs” with police, said he doesn’t fear for his safety, although he does wear a bulletproof vest on such occasions.

The practice came to light Sunday, when it was reported that Rockies’ second baseman Mike Lansing was with Denver police when they conducted a no-knock raid that left an innocent man dead Sept. 29.

Police Chief Gerry Whitman said Lansing remained in the police van while officers raided the wrong house and killed 45-year-old Ismael Mena.

*

Florida Marlins right-hander Alex Fernandez, last season’s National League comeback player of the year, will be sidelined for the season because his sore pitching shoulder hasn’t improved with two months of rest.

Fernandez has been on the disabled list since May 19 because of a rotator cuff problem . He made eight starts before going on the disabled list, posting a 4-4 record with a 4.13 earned-run average.

*

Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Desi Relaford and catcher Mike Lieberthal left Monday night’s game against the New York Yankees with injuries.

Relaford was replaced in the second inning by Alex Arias because of inflammation in the right shoulder. Lieberthal, who hit a two-run homer in the second off David Cone, left for pinch-hitter Tom Prince in the fourth because of a sprained left ankle after a collision at home plate with Bernie Williams.

*

Chicago White Sox right-hander Cal Eldred (10-2) was put on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to July 15, because of a sore elbow that has been a problem the past five years. . . . Third baseman Robin Ventura was placed on the 15-day disabled list by the New York Mets because of a bruised right rotator cuff. . . . Toronto put shortstop Alex Gonzalez on the 15-day disabled list because of a pulled groin muscle. . . . Utilityman Enrique Wilson, who sprained his wrist while checking a swing July 7, was put on the 15-day disabled list by Cleveland. . . . Yankee catcher Jorge Posada dropped his appeal of a one-game suspension Monday, and sat out New York’s game against Philadelphia.