Yankees Decide Not to Take Look at Moore

The New York Yankees, saying they have had second thoughts about adding at least $850,000 to their bloated payroll, have canceled a physical examination for free-agent pitcher Donnie Moore that originally was scheduled for Thursday.

Moore, one of seven players who were granted free agency by arbitrator Tom Roberts last month, underwent back surgery in October, and Yankee General Manager Lou Piniella had requested that he undergo physical testing.

Last week, Piniella invited Moore to fly to New York but later, according to Yankee spokesman Harvey Greene, reconsidered and canceled the trip.

“The bottom line is that, with the recent additions on our roster, we decided we didn’t want to take on another substantial salary,” Greene said. The Yankees already have signed free agents Jack Clark ($3 million for two years) and John Candelaria ($800,000 for 1988).

“There was some initial interest (in Moore), but after looking over the payroll and after further reconsideration, we changed our minds. We don’t want to start throwing money around again.”

According to Moore’s agent, David Pinter, the pitcher was seeking the same salary he earned with the Angels last season--$850,000. But after back and shoulder problems nearly wiped out his 1987 season, Moore remains a physical risk. He appeared in only 14 games in 1987, finishing with a 2-2 record and 5 saves.

Moore is in the final year of a three-year Angel contract and will remain with the club if he receives no other offers before March 1.