NOTES

The Florida Marlins’ pitching staff is getting a boost with Antonio Alfonseca rejoining the bullpen and Ismael Valdez returning to the rotation.

Both right-handers have been sidelined much of the season with injuries.

“It’s like making a trade,” manager Jack McKeon said Tuesday.

Alfonseca was activated after spending three months on the disabled list with a stress fracture in his elbow. He’s 0-1 with a 1.59 ERA in six games.

Valdez, who missed the first 3 1/2 months of the season with a broken right leg, will make his first start today against Pittsburgh. Valdez pitched two innings of relief Friday at San Francisco in his first appearance of the year.

Brown, Pavano still ail

Kevin Brown was scratched from his scheduled start Thursday because of his bad back and Carl Pavano’s return from a shoulder injury was pushed back, leaving the New York Yankees uncertain about two starts this week.

Brown was on the disabled list from June 18 to July 18, then allowed 13 runs in 7 2/3 innings over two starts at Texas and the Los Angeles Angels, getting a no-decision and a loss.

Pavano, who hasn’t pitched since June 27 because of a sore right shoulder, will make a rehabilitation start today in the Gulf Coast League. New York originally hoped he would start Saturday against the Los Angeles Angels.

Clearing the bases

Boston Red Sox outfielder Trot Nixon left in the third inning against Tampa Bay with an undisclosed injury. … Washington Nationals outfielder Marlon Byrd won the appeal of his two-game suspension for bumping an umpire June 4. … Colorado first baseman Todd Helton hopes to return this week from a strained left calf injury suffered Monday. … Chicago Cubs shortstop Nomar Garciaparra will begin his rehab assignment today at Class A Peoria. … San Diego catcher Ramon Hernandez may need surgery on his injured left wrist.