BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJOR LEAGUES : Howe Sent to Minors, Still in Yankee Plans, Merrill Says

Steve Howe was the most prominent of five players trimmed from the squad Thursday as the New York Yankees reached the 25-man limit. The former Dodger was sent to triple-A Columbus.

Howe, 33, attempting to resume a major league career interrupted repeatedly by alcohol and drug abuse problems, last pitched in the big leagues with the Texas Rangers in 1987.

Howe was 1-1 with a 9.90 earned-run average in seven appearances. He surrendered three home runs, five walks, and three balks.

“My goal is to get back to the major leagues,” Howe said. “I think I’m real close.”

Manager Stump Merrill said the Yankees have not given up on Howe.

“I don’t think there’s any question we have a chance to have a major league pitcher on our hands,” he said. “All we need is for him to become consistent.”

Howe, as part of his agreement with the Yankees, can become a free agent after June 1 if he is not on the major league roster.

Clemens Appeals to Vincent, Will Pitch Red Sox Opener

Roger Clemens appealed his five-game suspension and $10,000 fine to Commissioner Fay Vincent, clearing the way for the two-time Cy Young Award winner to pitch Boston’s season opener Monday at Toronto.

Clemens was given the penalty for his actions in Game 4 of the American League playoffs. Umpire Terry Cooney ejected Clemens, claiming the pitcher uttered profanities, and Clemens charged Cooney and umpire Jim Evans.

Any penalties against Clemens will not take effect until Vincent’s ruling. No hearing date has been scheduled with the commissioner.

Pittsburgh General Manager Larry Doughty dismissed reports the Pirates are considering a trade with the New York Yankees involving Bobby Bonilla and Barry Bonds. “Who for, Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig?” Doughty asked.

Doughty said published reports in New York the Pirates might be willing to package Bonilla and Bonds are ludicrous.

“I like Pittsburgh and I’d like to go back for opening day,” he said, adding that if he traded his two sluggers “the fans might not let me.”

Albert Belle hit his ninth and 10th homers of the spring as the Cleveland Indians beat the Milwaukee Brewers, 11-7, in their Arizona exhibition finale. . . . Jack Morris pitched seven strong innings in his final start before opening day as the Minnesota Twins defeated the Texas Rangers, 10-3. . . . Shortstop Jose Uribe (sore right heel) and pitcher Kelly Downs (infected blister on right foot) were put on the 15-day disabled list by the San Francisco Giants. Mike Benjamin will be the Giants’ starting shortstop after hitting .308 in the spring. . . . Darren Reed, acquired by the Montreal Expos from the New York Mets this week, broke his left forearm when hit by a pitch from Met reliever Alejandro Pena. He will be sidelined four to six weeks.

The Detroit Tigers were leading, 4-2, in the eighth inning Wednesday night against Cincinnati when they decided to try some new talent. With two out, the Reds’ Tim Layana struck out actor Tom Selleck. The Reds rallied to win, 6-4.