BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJORS : Dempsey Gets Released by the Orioles

When Oriole Park at Camden Yards is christened today with a game in Baltimore against the Cleveland Indians, a fixture from old Memorial Stadium won’t be in uniform.

Rick Dempsey, one of the most popular players to wear a Baltimore Orioles uniform, was released by the team Sunday in a move that could signify the end of his 19-year major-league career.

Dempsey, 42, was vying for the backup job with rookie Jeff Tackett and hit only .136 during spring training. Tackett, 26, had a .438 average along with three doubles and five RBIs.

The Philadelphia Phillies placed Jose DeJesus on the disabled list and kept pitcher Danny Cox on the roster.

Reliever Mike Hartley and rookie outfielder Tony Longmire also were placed on the DL, joining pitcher Ken Howell and first baseman Ricky Jordan.

Several members of the Orioles, including opening day pitcher Rick Sutcliffe, were plagued by an apparent case of food poisoning late Saturday and early Sunday morning.

Sutcliffe said he began feeling ill Saturday night after Baltimore played Boston in an exhibition game at RFK Stadium in Washington.

The problem has been traced to some pregame sandwiches in the clubhouse.

Detroit Tiger fans who light up on opening day will be handed cards reminding them of new restrictions on smoking in Tiger Stadium.

Cigarette and cigar smoking will be limited to the ballpark’s main and third-floor concourses, said Ralph Snyder, the Tigers’ vice president.

Chris Haney earned the fifth spot in the Montreal Expos’ starting rotation over Jonathan Hurst. Haney retired the final 12 batters he faced during the Expos’ 3-2 exhibition victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.