Canseco Says He’s Ready to Return to Devil Rays

A little more than a month since back surgery, Jose Canseco thinks he’s ready to come back to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

After batting and running Monday during a simulated game in St. Petersburg, Fla., Canseco hopes to return Friday when the Devil Rays open a homestand against Kansas City. Canseco had surgery July 11 for a ruptured disk in his back. It was originally feared he’d be out for the season.

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The Cleveland Indians reacquired former all-star second baseman Carlos Baerga from the San Diego Padres for cash and a player to be named. The Padres then recalled infielder David Newhan and right-hander Stan Spencer from triple-A Las Vegas to replace Baerga and right-hander Brian Boehringer (torn rotator cuff). . . . After nearly three months on the disabled list because of a strained right calf, third baseman Ken Caminiti was activated by the Houston Astros. To make room for Caminiti, the Astros optioned infielder Russ Johnson to triple-A New Orleans. The Astros also said that outfielder Moises Alou, who has not played this season after injuring his left knee before spring training, might not make it back into the lineup by his target date of Sept. 1. . . . The Detroit Tigers put pitcher Justin Thompson on the 15-day disabled list because of neck and shoulder problems. Right-hander Matt Anderson will replace Thompson on the roster. . . . The Boston Red Sox activated catcher Scott Hatteberg from the 15-day disabled list and designated catcher Lenny Webster for assignment.