Willie apologizes (updated with his opening remarks)  —  In a surprising development, Willie Randolph delivered a public apology during his pregame session with reporters a few minutes ago.  Randolph read from a sheet of paper with handwritten notes and said he was sorry …

Willis headed to Tigers' bullpen  —  Left-hander activated from DL, available Wednesday  —  DETROIT — Dontrelle Willis is rejoining the Tigers, but he's doing so in the bullpen.  —  The Tigers activated the left-hander from the 15-day disabled list Wednesday, but manager Jim Leyland announced …

Wang: Mild calf strain won't keep him out  —  Yankees right-hander expects to make next start Saturday  —  NEW YORK — The afterglow of Alex Rodriguez's return on Tuesday lasted only three innings, just time enough for the Yankees to see another superstar, Derek Jeter, go down with an injury.

Steinbrenner: Yanks down but not out  —  Co-chairman unhappy with play but optimistic for turnaround  —  NEW YORK — Hank Steinbrenner said Wednesday that he is “very down” about his team's 20-25 start, but the Yankees' co-chairman remains confident that he is still presiding over a playoff-caliber club.

Gagne flying back to Milwaukee  —  Pittsburgh - Until further notice, Milwaukee Brewers closer Eric Gagne has been shut down.  —  Although that further notice could be as soon as today or as late as this weekend or maybe next week depending on how Gagne's stiff right shoulder feels today …

Pedro leaves Mets to be with ill father  —  Pitcher was to throw bullpen session on Wednesday  —  ATLANTA — Pedro Martinez's return to pitching in the big leagues has been delayed by a medical episode involving his father.  —  The Mets pitcher, close to ending his assignment on the disabled list …

Colon wins in return, Red Sox top Royals  —  BOSTON (AP)—Bartolo Colon made a solid return to the majors after recovering from an elbow injury, posting his first win since last June as the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 6-3 Wednesday night.  —  The 2005 Cy Young award winner allowed …

Eveland, Cust lead A's past Rays 9-1  —  OAKLAND, Calif. (AP)—From about the time he started driving, Dana Eveland began hearing the comparisons to David Wells.  —  “If you're a chubby lefty it always gets you the comparison,” said Eveland, whose back is covered in an “EVELAND” tattoo.

Phillies hit 4 home runs in win over Nationals  —  WASHINGTON - Pedro Feliz's home run landed in the left field bullpen.  Shane Victorino put one just inside the left foul pole.  Ryan Howard didn't play around at all, launching shots into both decks in right-center.

“Terry Crowley is lucky he's in f*cking baseball” makes it on the air on YES  —  UPDATE (9:34 PM): Minor correction.  This is still bad for YES, but it was not a producer, or anyone on the YES crew, apparently.  It was Earl Weaver in the famous manager's corner clip as an anonymous commenter pointed out.

‘Z’ stiff shoulder raises alert  —  CUBS IN BRIEF  —  HOUSTON — The Cubs' medical staff is keeping a close eye this week on pitcher Carlos Zambrano, who has had stiffness in the right shoulder/neck area since his start Saturday against the Pirates.  —  It's not considered serious …

Reyes still considered king of thieves … Peruse the Major League Baseball offensive statistics, and you'll find those home run-hitting, historically lead-footed Boston Red Sox traveling in unexpected circles: They are tied for sixth in stolen bases (40) and are first overall in success rate (85 percent).