AROUND THE MAJORS

Ray Miller’s two-year tenure as manager of the Baltimore Orioles ended Wednesday when the Orioles chose not to exercise their contractual option to retain him within 72 hours of the conclusion of the season, the Washington Post reported.

Miller’s two-year contract, signed on Nov. 11, 1997, contained a clause that stipulated that by choosing not to use their option to retain Miller, the Orioles effectively ended their managerial association with him.

If the Orioles wanted to retain Miller for a third year they would have had to inform him within 72 hours after Sunday’s final game. By not doing so, according to the contract Miller signed, the club is free to seek his successor. Under terms of the contract, the Orioles will pay Miller $100,000 by Dec. 1.

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San Francisco Giant right fielder Ellis Burks had arthroscopic surgery on both knees to remove inflamed tendon tissue and is expected to be fully recovered in time for spring training.