Torre Gets a Great Medical Report

Joe Torre’s cancer was limited to his prostate gland and there is no trace of the disease in the lymph nodes of the New York Yankee manager, according to pathology reports.

Torre was released from Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis on Sunday and the Yankees said he will undergo tests in about a month to determine if any further treatment is necessary.

Torre had surgery Thursday. Dr. William Catalona, who performed the procedure, said patients normally need at least six weeks recovery time before returning to work.

General Manager Brian Cashman said he spoke with Torre about baseball matters three or four times on Saturday, and Cashman said Torre will be consulted on roster cuts.

Torre will head to Florida to recuperate.

*

Boston shortstop Nomar Garciaparra won’t return to the team until at least Wednesday while he undergoes tests in California on his injured right elbow.

Dr. Lewis Yocum, the Angel physician, and Dr. Tony Daley will examine Boston’s top offensive threat, hurt March 11 in a game against Toronto.

“He just needs to get checked out now,” Red Sox Manager Jimy Williams said. “When he gets back he will probably start playing again.”

*

The Philadelphia Phillies made a second contract offer Orel Hershiser, hoping to bolster a thin pitching staff that could use his experience.

In February, the Phillies offered Hershiser a one-year deal with incentives that could have raised the value to $2 million. He opted instead to sign a minor league contract for less money with the Indians, the team he played for from 1995-97.

But Hershiser, who pitched for the Giants last season, has little chance of making Cleveland’s starting rotation. If he isn’t going to make the club, Hershiser is free to sign with another team.

*

Texas reliever John Wetteland might start the season on the disabled list because of a string of injuries during spring training.

Wetteland, slowed by an ankle injury last month and muscle spasms in his lower back, was told by Manager Johnny Oates not to pitch in games for another four days. The All-Star closer is to be evaluated today.

*

Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa each hit their eighth home runs Sunday to remain tied for the spring training lead. McGwire’s two-run shot came off A.J. Burnett in the third inning of the St. Louis Cardinals’ 10-4 loss to Florida Marlins split squad.

Sosa’s three-run homer came in the second inning of the Chicago Cubs’ 10-7 loss to the San Francisco Giants at Mesa, Ariz.

“He’s ready, I’m ready. He’s got to do a job, I’ve got to do a job,” Sosa said. “For me, it doesn’t take too long to get ready. I’ve been relaxed and patient at home plate and that’s helping me not to swing at pitches I shouldn’t be swinging at.”