Loaiza’s struggles land him in bullpen

After five mediocre starts, Esteban Loaiza lost his job in the New York Yankees’ rotation on Saturday and was sent to the bullpen.

Loaiza failed to make it out of the fifth inning in Friday’s 8-7 victory over Toronto.

“I’m not disappointed. I’m not surprised because I know I haven’t been pitching well since I got here,” Loaiza said.

Loaiza, 0-2 with a 7.30 ERA in five starts for the Yankees, hung his head when manager Joe Torre came out to the mound with one out in the fifth to remove him. He left to boos from Yankees fans scattered throughout SkyDome.

“I have it in me and I want to do it,” Loaiza said. “I haven’t won a game since I’ve been a Yankee, and I want to get my first win under my belt.”

Loaiza won 21 games last year and finished second to Toronto’s Roy Halladay in the A.L. Cy Young Award voting.

Bowa safe for now

Larry Bowa will retain his job through the end of the season, but Philadelphia general manager Ed Wade wouldn’t address whether the Phillies manager will return in 2005.

“As is the case at the end of every season, we will sit down at that point to review and address the status of our players, our manager and his staff,” Wade said. “Until that time, our sole focus will be on our performance on the field.”

The Phillies, who were favored to win the N.L. East trail Atlanta by 12 games.

Clearing the bases

The Cardinals placed left-handed relief pitcher Steve Kline on the 15-day disabled list with a groin injury. The Cardinals recalled left-handed reliever Randy Flores from Triple-A Memphis. … The Giants called up right-hander Brad Hennessey and optioned reliever David Aardsma to Triple-A Fresno. Hennessey is scheduled to start tonight against the Braves. … Cubs reliever Kyle Farnsworth was placed on the 15-day DL, one day after kicking an electric fan in the clubhouse after giving up six runs to the Astros in the ninth inning Friday. Farnsworth was on crutches Saturday. … Mets catcher Mike Piazza (knee inflammation) wrapped up his rehab session by playing first base for Class A St. Lucie and going 1 for 3 with a walk. He is expected to rejoin the Mets on Monday. Mets shortstop Kaz Matsui (back spasms) could return by the end of next week. … The Brewers activated infielder Keith Ginter from the DL and optioned Trent Durrington to Triple-A Indianapolis.