McGriff works out for Yankees
Three days after his release from Tampa Bay, Fred McGriff worked out Wednesday for the New York Yankees, the team that launched his career 23 years ago.
The Devil Rays designated the 40-year-old first baseman for assignment on July 17 after he hit .181 with two homers and seven RBIs in 27 games. Seven homers shy of 500, McGriff is eager for another chance to reach the milestone this season.
McGriff was taken in the 1981 amateur draft by the Yankees, but was traded to Toronto the following year. Now it appears his career has taken him full circle.
McGriff took batting practice and grounders in front of team officials at the Yankees’ minor league complex. New York, the A.L. East Division leader, could be in the market for an extra first baseman depending on test results regarding ailing starter Jason Giambi.
Giambi has felt fatigued since early June because of an intestinal parasite. Yankees manager Joe Torre has said the team will know more about Giambi’s status today.
Tony Clark has started at first in place of Giambi, who left the team for additional tests Monday night.
•New York Yankees right-hander Kevin Brown will likely return from the disabled list Friday and start against the Baltimore Orioles that night.
Brown, sidelined since June 9 with a lower back spasm and an intestinal parasite, threw a bullpen session Wednesday and felt good.
Wagner returns to Philadelphia for examination
Ailing Phillies closer Billy Wagner traveled back to Philadelphia to have his sore left shoulder examined by team physician Dr. Michael Ciccotti.
Wagner complained of stiffness in the shoulder, which has kept him sidelined for the past week. He’s scheduled to see Ciccotti today.
The left-hander is 3-0 with 16 saves, a 3.12 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 34 2/3 innings.
Benitez likely out until next week
Florida Marlins closer Armando Benitez might be sidelined until next week because of inflammation in his pitching elbow.
Benitez said he expects to resume playing catch in a couple of days and was relieved that an MRI on Tuesday revealed no damage.
Benitez has 33 saves and is 2-1 with a 1.25 ERA.
Manager Jack McKeon said he didn’t expect Benitez to be sidelined long.
Mets suspend Spencer in wake of DUI arrest
Shane Spencer appears to have worn out his welcome with the New York Mets.
Spencer was suspended without pay by the Mets, one day after he was arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol and charged with driving under the influence.
Spencer is on the 15-day disabled list after cutting his right foot on a piece of glass in a New York bar Thursday night. Earlier this year, Spencer and then-teammate Karim Garcia were each fined $500 by the Mets because of an off-field incident during spring training.
Mets general manager Jim Duquette was asked in a conference call Wednesday if the team’s patience had run out with the outfielder.
“I think our actions speak for that,” Duquette said.
Spencer, who was in Florida to work out at the Mets’ minor league facility in Port St. Lucie, was stopped by state troopers between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. Tuesday morning for driving 96 mph in a 70 mph speed zone on I-95 in St. Lucie County.
According to Lt. David Frith, the officers smelled alcohol on Spencer’s breath and “he acknowledged that he had a few drinks. Spencer failed several roadside sobriety tests and was arrested. He refused to take a breathalyzer test and was charged with misdemeanor DUI.
Spencer is hitting .281 with four homers, 26 RBIs and six stolen bases in 185 at-bats in his first season with the Mets.
•The Mets designated right-hander Scott Erickson for assignment.
Erickson went 0-1 with a 7.88 ERA for the Mets in two starts.