Has Irabu Already Wrecked His Future?

Hideki Irabu, the Japanese pitcher set to make his major league debut for the New York Yankees on Thursday, was involved in an accident with George Steinbrenner’s car as he left Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, according to a published report.

Irabu, who was at the empty stadium working on hand signals with catcher Joe Girardi, was a passenger in a van that collided with Steinbrenner’s parked car in the same lot the Yankees owner stood guard over last week. The New York Times reported in today’s editions that the bumper on Steinbrenner’s car was loosened and the left fender was damaged in the accident.

“Don’t tell me they hit George’s car,” Yankee General Manager Bob Watson said. “I have to go check on that.”

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The Boston Red Sox have stopped trying to trade Wil Cordero, and he’s welcome to rejoin the team.

Cordero, arrested last month on a charge of assaulting his wife, is expected back with the Red Sox Thursday night when they begin a series against Toronto at Fenway Park. He has not played since June 25 when he was suspended by Boston.

“Having him on the team is not a problem,” chief executive officer John Harrington said Tuesday before the All-Star game. “We put him on waivers and teams asked about him, but we’re not trying to trade him. He’s a great player.”

Cordero agreed last week to undergo counseling in a program developed by doctors chosen by the players’ association and management’s Player Relations Committee.