Everett, Wash.
Published: Thursday, May 15, 2008

BASEBALL NOTES: Steinbrenner criticizes Yanks

 YANKEES: Co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner expects his struggling New York Yankees to focus and turn around their season. "They've got to play smarter and harder," he said."The injuries -- when you're missing Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada, that makes it tough. ... At the same time, you've got to get it done. We still have plenty of good hitters. We need to get the job done." New York began the night 19-21, fourth in the AL East following a pair of losses to Tampa Bay, the surprise division leader.

RANGERS: Outfielder Marlon Byrd was activated from the 15-day disabled list Wednesday by Texas, which optioned third baseman Travis Metcalf to Class AAA Oklahoma. Byrd had been out since April 17 with inflammation in his left knee.


RED SOX: Pitcher Clay Buchholz was put on the 15-day disabled list by the Boston Red Sox because of a broken nail on his right middle finger. Buchholz, who had been scheduled to start Sunday against Milwaukee, was put on the DL retroactive to Tuesday, the day after he yielded seven runs in 41/3 innings at Minnesota.

METS: Pedro Martinez threw 55 pitches and fielded his position during a simulated game at the New York Mets' complex in Port St. Lucie, Fla., the latest step in his recuperation from a hamstring injury. The club won't reveal a timetable for Martinez's return, but general manager Omar Minaya did say he hopes Martinez is weeks away, not months. The three-time Cy Young Award winner strained his left hamstring during his only start of the season April 1.
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