Giants’ Milner Seeks Help for Drugs

Outfielder Eddie Milner became the latest major league baseball player to admit a drug problem as the San Francisco Giants announced Friday that he had been placed on the 21-day disabled list for treatment.

The team did not release specific details about the type of drug problem or where treatment will take place, but it said he approached club trainers and asked for help. The Giants said the situation had been discussed with Commissioner Peter Ueberroth and would be handled under policies established last year.

Milner’s treatment is expected to take a minimum of 28 days.

Milner, 31, was acquired from the Cincinnati Reds on Jan. 8 in a trade for pitcher Frank Williams and has played in eight games with the Giants, batting .222 with 1 RBI.

“The Giants are prepared to assist in every way possible with Eddie Milner’s recovery,” said Al Rosen, the team’s president and general manager.

The team said Ueberroth has advised them that Milner will be given “this one opportunity” to receive medical assistance and avoid disciplinary action.

“If Milner fails to cooperate in an appropriate treatment program and aftercare, he will be subject to penalties,” the commissioner was quoted as saying.

He was replaced on the Giants’ roster by Randy Kutcher, who was recalled from Phoenix of the Pacific Coast League.