Irabu Deal Is Still Not Finalized

The New York Yankees and San Diego Padres spent Wednesday trying to put their Hideki Irabu deal in writing before submitting it to the ruling executive council.

The council is expected to approve the memorandum of understanding, which also will be sent to the Japanese commissioner’s office for approval. After that, the Yankees can begin formal contract negotiations with the 27-year-old right-hander.

In an agreement reached Tuesday, the Padres sold Irabu’s negotiating rights to the Yankees for $3 million. The Yankees will also send injured outfielder Ruben Rivera and minor league pitcher Rafael Medina to San Diego in return for three minor leaguers: second baseman Homer Bush and outfielders Gordon Amerson and Vernon Maxwell.

“We got a couple of good players for a guy who never played for us,” Padre center fielder Steve Finley said. “Good riddance.”

Rivera is on the 60-day disabled list after undergoing shoulder surgery this spring. Padre General Manager Kevin Tower figures Rivera will be up with the Padres by September.

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Atlanta Brave pitcher Greg Maddux won’t miss any time after aggravating a hamstring injury during Tuesday’s game against the San Francisco Giants, the team said.

Maddux (2-1) left after the sixth inning for precautionary reasons. The four-time Cy Young winner gave up four hits and struck out eight in the 4-0 victory.

The veteran right-hander had sat out his previous start because of the injury. He’s scheduled to start Monday’s home game against the Dodgers.