McClendon fired by Pirates

NOTES

Lloyd McClendon was the first Pittsburgh Pirates manager brought back after four consecutive losing seasons. One loss away from a fifth such season, the Pirates decided they wanted someone else running the club.

McClendon, an aggressive former player known for his competitiveness and frequent run-ins with umpires, was fired Tuesday after averaging more than 90 losses since 2001.

Bench coach Pete Mackanin will be the interim manager for the rest of the season.

Zambrano to bullpen

Jae Seo has pitched his way into a permanent spot in the New York Mets’ rotation, manager Willie Randolph said.

Victor Zambrano, who hasn’t made a relief appearance since June 2004 with Tampa Bay, will move to the bullpen.

In seven starts this year, Seo is 7-1 with a 1.79 ERA. The right-hander is 5-0 with a 1.70 ERA in six starts since returning from Triple-A Norfolk last month.

Clearing the bases

Rookie right-hander Chien-Ming Wang was activated from the 15-day disabled list by the New York Yankees and will start Thursday against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

•Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood said he expects to be ready for spring training. The right-hander, who rejoined the team this week following shoulder surgery, is beginning a four-month rehabilitation program.

•Cardinals outfielder Reggie Sanders, after missing nearly two months with a broken leg, expects to be activated during St. Louis’ 10-game homestand that started Monday.