Torre Watches Irabu Situation Closely

New York Yankee Manager Joe Torre would like to have his pitching rotation set for the next series and beyond. But he can’t. He doesn’t know what will happen after Hideki Irabu pitches tonight.

Irabu, the Yankees’ $12.8-million right-hander, is scheduled to start for triple-A Columbus against Richmond. Irabu gave up three hits in seven innings in a 7-0 victory over Rochester Friday in his first start since being sent down July 28.

Torre said Irabu could be back starting for the Yankees as early as Sunday at Minnesota.

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The Milwaukee District Attorney’s office likely will decide Thursday if it will charge Yankee outfielder Mark Whiten in the alleged sexual assault of a 31-year-old woman. Whiten was arrested July 21. He told police he had consensual sex with the woman.

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The Ohio Supreme Court has refused to replace a judge hearing a civil lawsuit filed against Albert Belle of the Chicago White Sox by a youngster suspected by the outfielder of Halloween vandalism.

Richard G. Lillie, the attorney representing the boy, had asked the court to remove Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge James J. Sweeney from the case. Lillie said the judge was star-struck.

Belle, who was playing for the Cleveland Indians at the time, allegedly chased the boy and two others in his Ford Explorer after they threw eggs at his condominium on Oct. 31, 1995.