Alfonso Soriano says he wants to stay with the Washington Nationals, but he doubts he'll reach an agreement on a new contract before the July 31 trade deadline.

"I don't think so. I think that my agent and the club, they have to talk a lot," Soriano said after homering in Washington's 7-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs yesterday. "If we have something working, we need a little bit more time."

The five-time All-Star said he spoke with incoming team president Stan Kasten on Thursday, but they didn't discuss contract details. Soriano added that he doesn't think his agent, Diego Bentz, has discussed numbers with the Nationals, either.

Reached by telephone, Bentz wouldn't say whether contract proposals have been extended by him or the club.

"That doesn't really mean anything. The bigger question is: 'Does he like it there or not? Does he feel comfortable there?' Obviously. You can tell by the way he's playing," Bentz said.

Soriano joined Washington last offseason in a trade from Texas, and the Nationals shifted him from second base to left field. He's batting .288 with 31 homers, 62 RBIs and 25 steals.

Soriano is slated to become a free agent at season's end; the Nationals figure to be able to get top prospects in return if they deal him.

During yesterday's game, Kasten said he's had "numerous conversations" with Soriano and his agent.

"I have been told unequivocally, from both of them, they would like to remain here. No doubt about that," Kasten said.

One potential stumbling block if the sides try to agree on a new contract: Soriano said he wants a no-trade clause, something Kasten pointed out yesterday he refused to include in contracts he negotiated in recent years while an executive with the Atlanta Braves, the NBA's Hawks and the NHL's Thrashers.

RANGERS

SHOWALTER MISSES GAME WITH DEHYDRATION

Texas manager Buck Showalter missed yesterday's 5-0 loss to the Chicago White Sox because of an irregular heartbeat brought on by dehydration and was expected to spend the night in the hospital.

Showalter was being treated at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, where he received an IV, the team said.

"The doctor's feeling was if everything continued to look as good as it looks right now, he sees no reason why (Showalter) probably can't be back in the morning and resume managing," general manager Jon Daniels said.

It was just the third time in his 11 years as a manager that Showalter missed a game.

CUBS

MARSHALL PLACED ON DL; TWO RELIEVERS CALLED UP

Chicago placed pitcher Sean Marshall on the 15-day disabled list yesterday, a day after the left-hander left a start against the Washington Nationals with a strained left ribcage muscle.

Right-handed relievers David Aardsma and Michael Wuertz were recalled from Triple-A Iowa to take Marshall's roster spot and to fill the vacancy created when right-hander Scott Williamson was traded to San Diego for two minor leaguers Saturday night.

"We don't need a starter for four more days," said Chicago manager Dusty Baker. "Our bullpen has been taxed the last two days, with four innings apiece. We need some bullpen help."

Aardsma is 1-0 with a 5.89 ERA in 18 appearances during two previous stints with the Cubs this year. Wuertz is also joining the Cubs for a third time in 2006, and has gone 0-0 with a 9.82 ERA in four games.