Corey Finds Success In New Position

Three years ago, Bryan Corey (Thousand Oaks High, Pierce) was on the verge of being released as a utility infielder in the Detroit Tigers system. He made a remarkable transition to pitcher and this week made his debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Corey was hit for a two-run home run by Bob Hamelin of the Milwaukee Brewers in his first appearance. . . .

Pitching in Kansas City for the first time since 1991, Bret Saberhagen (Cleveland High) went six innings for the Boston Red Sox in a 14-3 victory over the Royals last week. . . .

Royals right-hander Kevin Appier (Antelope Valley High) has begun throwing for the first time since undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery March 24. Appier will begin throwing off a mound in about two weeks. . . .

Ryan Radmanovich (Pepperdine) will get a second shot at filling in for injured Seattle Mariner right fielder Jay Buhner. Radmanovich, one for 14 in a short stint with the Mariners last month, was promoted this week from Tacoma. Buhner’s replacements are batting only .154. . . .

Mike Lieberthal (Westlake High) has been catching nearly every day for the Philadelphia Phillies after sitting out much of spring training with tendinitis in his right elbow. The inflammation has reappeared, but Lieberthal believes he can make it through the season without going on the disabled list. . . .

Dmitri Young (Rio Mesa High) was told he’d be a utility player after being traded to the Cincinnati Reds hours after the Tampa Bay Devil Rays took him in the November expansion draft. He has taken over as the right fielder and in nine games batting in the No. 3 spot, hit .414.