Red Sox Sign Lemke for Second Base

The Boston Red Sox signed Mark Lemke and said he will start at second base as soon as he is ready. The move had been discussed since Jeff Frye was lost for the season early in camp.

Although he is a career .248 hitter with little power or speed, Lemke became known for his clutch hitting during five National League playoffs and four World Series with the Atlanta Braves.

Either Mike Benjamin, Donnie Sadler or Lou Merloni will play second until Lemke is ready. Mike Gallego, a 13-year veteran, was released Thursday after Lemke was signed.

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The Seattle Mariners acquired pitcher Jim Bullinger from the Chicago White Sox for minor league pitcher Marty Weymouth. . . . Lenny Dykstra must stop playing baseball or he will risk serious injury, the Philadelphia Phillie center fielder has been told by Dr. Robert Watkins, one of the country’s leading back specialists. . . . Admitted wife-beater Wil Cordero, who agreed to a contract with the Chicago White Sox three days ago, had not arrived Thursday as the team broke spring training camp. Cordero did not make a Thursday flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico, because his estranged wife was about to deliver their child, White Sox General Manager Ron Schueler said.