Reds’ Freel out after collision

Reds right fielder Norris Hopper thinks center fielder Ryan Freel might have been unconscious before he hit the ground after the two players collided Monday in Cincinnati’s 4-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Cincinnati.

Freel was diagnosed with contusions to his head and neck after his head collided with Hopper’s right elbow while the center fielder was catching Humberto Cota’s fly ball in right center field.

“I went over and got real close to his ear and screamed, ‘Freel, Freel,’ about four times,” said Hopper. “He opened his eyes slowly, and I said, ‘Just lay there. They’re coming.’ “

After being examined by Reds trainers and physicians, Freel was turned over on his back, strapped to a stretcher, loaded into an ambulance and taken to the hospital. He is scheduled to be evaluated again today, the Reds said.

Clemens looks ready

Roger Clemens pitched six shutout innings in Triple-A, leaving to a standing ovation in Moosic, Pa., in what the New York Yankees hope is his final start in the minors.

Clemens showed improved command from his last outing at Double-A, this time giving up two hits and two walks for the Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre farm team.

Clearing the bases

The Texas Rangers signed pitcher Mark Redman, and the 2006 A.L. All-Star will start this week for Triple-A Oklahoma. Texas also recalled right-hander Mike Wood from Triple-A Oklahoma and sent down right-hander Scott Feldman. … The Reds optioned right- hander Kirk Saarloos to Triple-A Louisville and recalled left-hander Bobby Livingston. … The Chicago White Sox placed utilityman Pablo Ozuna on the 15-day disabled list. … Tampa Bay rookie third baseman Akinori Iwamura was activated from the 15-day disabled list and outfielder Jonny Gomes was optioned to Triple-A Durham. … Ryan Speier was optioned by the Colorado Rockies to Triple-A Colorado Springs to make room for right-hander Rodrigo Lopez.