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 …

Pedro's test Wednesday  —  ATLANTA - Pedro Martinez is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Wednesday at Turner Field, and Willie Randolph echoed Martinez's belief that the righthander should pitch during next week's home stand.  —  It was after rotator cuff surgery that Martinez joined …

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 …

Jeter hit by pitch on hand, day-to-day  —  Despite contusion, Yanks captain hopes to play Wednesday  —  NEW YORK — The thud of baseball hitting bone may have been something awful, but — no surprise here — Derek Jeter said he will be all right.  —  The Yankees shortstop was hit …

Church feeling OK  —  Good news on Ryan Church, who just spoke to reporters and said he intends to play either tomorrow or Friday.  Church had a CT scan after Tuesday's game and it came back clear, meaning that the blow to the head did not cause severe damage.

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.

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.

Nice encore by Masterson  —  Red Sox rookie Justin Masterson answered reporters' questions after pitching the Red Sox to victory Monday night.  —  The drama last night in the Fens came in smaller bites.  Instead of nine innings of no hits, there was one bases-loaded whiff …

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 …

‘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 …

Revolving Yankee Hurts  —  Alex Rodriguez (0 DXL)  —  A couple of weeks back, I got an angry email saying that, while I was assigning A-Rod a DXL of 15, other sources were saying he was out until the All-Star break.  I was a bit surprised that a simple, well-known injury to the best-known player …

Pirates' drafting eye on Alvarez, Beckham  —  List of prospects for No. 2 pick down to just five  —  The Pirates' list of prospects for the No. 2 overall pick in the June 5 draft, which was seven deep a week ago, now is down to a handful.  —  Maybe less.

Jones' role with Marlins unclear  —  Manager Gonzalez says outfielder will play, but not sure where  —  MIAMI — Nobody knows yet how newly acquired outfielder Jacque Jones will fit in with the Marlins.  —  But one thing's for sure.  —  “As long as he's got a uniform, he's playing,” Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said.