BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJOR LEAGUES : Heart Problems Force Simmons to Resign

Ted Simmons, who presided over the breakup of the three-time NL East champion Pittsburgh Pirates, resigned as general manager because of heart problems. He was replaced by Cam Bonifay, assistant general manager.

Simmons’ surprise announcement--he replaced the fired Larry Doughty only 17 months ago--came less than two weeks after he underwent an angioplasty procedure to unclog a blocked artery to his heart.

Pirate President Mark Sauer, who handpicked Simmons, 43, after the two worked together with the St. Louis Cardinals, said the resignation was not requested and was entirely Simmons’ decision.

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The Kansas City Royals signed and activated third baseman Gary Gaetti and recalled pitcher Greg Sampen before to Saturday’s game against the Oakland Athletics.

Gaetti is still being paid nearly $3 million from his contract with the Angels, who released him last month after he batted just .180 with no home runs and four RBIs this season.

To make room for the two players, the Royals optioned infielder Craig Wilson to Omaha and designated outfielder Harvey Pulliam for assignment.

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The Chicago Cubs put pitcher Mike Harkey on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to June 13.

Harkey, who joined five other Cubs on the disabled list, has tendinitis in his right shoulder.

The Cubs recalled infielder Tommy Shields from their triple-A team in Iowa.