Red Sox Put Embattled Cordero on Waivers

The Boston Red Sox on Monday placed outfielder Wilfredo Cordero on waivers, a source told The Associated Press. The move could be an attempt to identify which clubs are interested in trading for the embattled outfielder.

If he is claimed before the deadline of 2 p.m. (EDT) Thursday, the Red Sox could still pull Cordero back, then work out a trade with the claiming team. If not, Boston could assign him to the minor leagues, release him or return him to his current exile of “administrative leave.”

The Red Sox had no comment.

Cordero pleaded innocent earlier this month to charges of assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and threatening to commit a crime after a domestic dispute that left his wife’s nose bloodied. He was released on $1,000 bail pending a court date July 24.

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Hideki Irabu, 10 days from his highly anticipated debut for the New York Yankees, endured another shaky minor league outing in Rochester, N.Y., before his fastball came to the rescue.

Pitching for the triple-A Columbus Clippers, the Japanese right-hander was rocked for four runs and eight hits by the Rochester Red Wings. Irabu threw 95 pitches, struck out seven and didn’t walk a batter. Once again, however, he was called for two balks, one allowing an unearned run.

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Steve Avery pitched five shutout innings in his first triple-A rehabilitation assignment for the Pawtucket Red Sox in Moosic, Pa. Avery, who threw 73 pitches, gave up one hit, walked three and struck out one. He has been on the Boston Red Sox’s disabled list since May 4 because of a strained left groin. . . . St. Louis Cardinal infielder David Bell, out since April 28 because of a broken left hand, was activated from the disabled list. . . . President Clinton will attend Wednesday’s game between the Baltimore Orioles and Philadelphia Phillies to launch a public service advertising campaign focusing on education.