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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Ortiz says he needs time

Boston’s David Ortiz reportedly failed a drug test in 2003.  (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
Associated Press

Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz fended off further questions Friday about his 2003 drug test, saying he needed more time to gather information.

“I am trying to find out what’s going on. When I get my stuff together, I’ll let you guys know,” Ortiz said before the Red Sox faced the Orioles in Baltimore.

The New York Times, citing unidentified lawyers with knowledge of the results, reported Thursday that Ortiz and former teammate Manny Ramirez were among the 104 players who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs six years ago. The list was supposed to be confidential.

Ortiz said Thursday he was “blindsided” by the disclosure, but acknowledged the players’ union confirmed the result.

“The process needs to play out,” Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. “And that’s hard, because there are probably going to be a lot of opinions the next few days about David’s situation without the information that is needed.”

Clearing the bases

Roger Clemens former personal trainer sued him over allegations of steroid use, claiming the Major League Baseball star ruined his reputation by branding him a liar. The defamation lawsuit filed in federal court in Brooklyn alleges Clemens launched an “intense and coordinated public relations offensive” against Brian McNamee after the trainer told federal investigators and Congress that he injected Clemens more than a dozen times with steroids and human growth hormone from 1998 through 2001. … Tampa Bay right-hander Matt Garza has been fined an undisclosed amount for hitting New York Yankees slugger Mark Teixeira with a pitch Wednesday night. … The Red Sox have transferred right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka to the 60-day disabled list, meaning the Japanese phenom won’t be eligible to pitch again until Aug. 18. … Pedro Martinez allowed five runs – four earned – and three hits in five innings of a rehab start for the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Philadelphia’s top minor league affiliate. … Fausto Carmona is back pitching for Cleveland after being sent to the lower minor leagues earlier this season to work on his mechanics. … The Orioles have placed rookie right-hander Bret Bergesen on the 15-day disabled list with a bruised shin.