BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJORS : Gibson Goes in Deal to Pirates

Kirk Gibson, who left Kansas City’s camp last week because he didn’t want to be a backup, went into a situation Tuesday in which he may be just that.

The Royals traded Gibson, 34, to the Pittsburgh Pirates for pitcher Neal Heaton.

Gibson went from a team that had too many outfielders to one that is not sure how many it has. The Pirates sent Andy Van Slyke home because of his bad back and also are listening to trade talk regarding Barry Bonds.

Gibson, the 1988 most valuable player with the Dodgers, returns to the National League after one year with the Royals. He batted .236 with 16 home runs and 55 runs batted in.

Heaton, 31, was an All-Star with the Pirates two seasons ago. He lost his job as starter last year and went 3-3 with a 4.33 earned-run average.

Detroit’s Cecil Fielder hit a home run that appeared to clear a 110-foot light tower in left field in Plant City, Fla., as the Tigers lost to Cincinnati, 14-4. . . . In his first spring training start, the Rangers’ Nolan Ryan pitched four innings against Pittsburgh, allowing three runs and three hits.