Ex-Angel Pitcher Hill Released by Devil Rays

Right-hander Ken Hill’s stint in the Tampa Bay Devil Ray bullpen is over.

Hill, a longshot to make the roster as a reliever after being a starter for most of a 12-year career with six other teams, was released Thursday after facing three batters and giving up a run-scoring triple and two-run homer in Wednesday night’s 9-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox.

In five appearances for the Devil Rays, he went 0-1 with a 12.27 earned-run average. He gave up 11 runs, 10 hits and four homers in 7 1/3 innings.

The Devil Rays recalled right-hander Travis Phelps, who was 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA in four relief appearances at triple-A Durham.

Hill, hampered by injuries, struggled last season with the Angels and Chicago White Sox. He wasn’t surprised by the decision to release him, though he still thinks he can pitch in the majors.

“No question in my mind,” he said.

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Bernie Williams will rejoin the New York Yankees today or Saturday after missing 10 games to be with his ailing father in Puerto Rico.

“His dad is doing better,” Yankee Manager Joe Torre said. “We’d like to believe Bernie will be here [today]. My feeling is he’ll play Saturday.”

Bernabe Williams Sr. has pulmonary fibrosis, a lung condition. Torre said Williams’ father has been moved from intensive care.

The Yankees play three games at home against the Boston Red Sox starting tonight.

Williams last played April 8, but Torre said Williams has been working out for the last few days.

In other Yankee news, Orlando Hernandez will miss his next scheduled start because of an elbow injury. He left Wednesday night’s game against Toronto after three innings because of the injury, and now won’t pitch Tuesday.

Third base prospect Drew Henson is expected to be out at least four weeks because of a broken left hand. Henson signed a $17-million, six-year contract with the Yankees last month.

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Texas closer Tim Crabtree was put on the 15-day disabled list because of lower back problems and the Rangers purchased the contract of right-hander R.A. Dickey from triple-A Oklahoma City. . . . Pittsburgh pitcher Jason Schmidt left with shoulder discomfort after throwing one scoreless inning in a rehabilitation start for the double-A Altoona Curve at Bowie, Md.