O’Neill Hurt in Yankee Win

The New York Yankees clinched home-field advantage throughout the American League playoffs Saturday night at St. Petersburg, Fla. But that doesn’t mean they’re concern-free going into the postseason.

The defending World Series champions defeated the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, 3-2, Saturday night, guaranteeing themselves at least a share of the league’s best regular-season record.

But Manager Joe Torre’s biggest concern was Paul O’Neill, who left in the sixth inning with a bruised right side and lower back after chasing a foul ball into the right-field corner and running into a low fence.

“I don’t even worry about the postseason, you just worry about the individual,” Torre said. “For all those people who don’t know a lot about Paul O’Neill, I think it speaks volumes for him to do what he did in that situation after we’ve already clinched about everything.”

X-rays were negative, and O’Neill said with a couple of days rest he should be fine.

“I’m sore, but I don’t think there’s anything to worry about,” said O’Neill, adding that he had the wind knocked out of him. “It’s kind of a surprise. I didn’t know that wall was there. It’s so low, you don’t see it.”

Also, before the game, Torre said David Cone would pitch Game 4 of the playoffs, if necessary. Orlando Hernandez will start Game 1 in the best-of-five first round, followed by Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens.

Boston 8, Baltimore 0--Pedro Martinez pitched a scoreless inning of relief in his final tuneup before the playoffs, backing a fine six-inning performance on the mound by his brother Ramon, and the Red Sox defeated the Orioles at Baltimore.

Shortstop Nomar Garciaparra, who has a swollen tendon in his right wrist, rejoined Boston after being examined by the team physician Friday. He will be sidelined until the playoffs as a precautionary measure.

Toronto 7, Cleveland 3--Pat Hentgen took a shutout into the ninth inning and the Blue Jays hit four homers en route to a victory at Cleveland.

Shawn Green, Tony Batista, Willis Otanez and rookie Casey Blake all homered for the Blue Jays, who announced before the game that five coaches, including first-base coach Lloyd Moseby, will not return to the major league team next season. But catcher Darrin Fletcher will after Toronto picked up an option on him.

Detroit 4, Kansas City 3--Tony Clark and Luis Polonia homered as the Tigers, behind pitcher Jeff Weaver’s five-plus innings, defeated the Royals at Kansas City.

Chicago 6, Minnesota 1--Kip Wells showed why he’s in Chicago’s plans for next season, giving up one run over five innings at Chicago and winning for the fourth time in five decisions as the White Sox handed the Twins their eighth consecutive loss.

Seattle 10, Oakland 2--Freddy Garcia tied a team rookie record with his 17th victory and Brian Hunter hit a two-run double and stole three bases to boost his AL-leading total to 44 as the Mariners defeated the Athletics at Oakland.