Reports: Irabu Had a Drinking Binge

Montreal pitcher Hideki Irabu was suspended by the Expos for drinking himself into a stupor before a scheduled rehabilitation start, according to two news reports.

Irabu was expected to pitch for the triple-A Ottawa Lynx last Sunday, but he was so drunk that he had to be taken to a hospital, The Canadian Press cited the Montreal La Presse and Kyodo News Service, a Japanese news agency, as reporting.

The right-hander was suspended without pay Wednesday for violating the terms of his contract. Montreal officials have been silent about the circumstances surrounding the suspension.

The Expos are not expected to pick up the option on Irabu’s contract for next season and, if they do not recall him, Irabu’s injury-plagued, two-year stay in Montreal might be over.

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The Chicago Cubs activated left fielder Rondell White and reliever Courtney Duncan from the 15-day disabled list before Saturday’s game with the Atlanta Braves.

White was hitting .302 with 13 home runs and 36 RBIs when he strained the left side of his groin and was put on the disabled list on July 14.

In a nine-game rehab stint with double-A West Tennessee, White batted .142 with two home runs and four RBIs in 28 at-bats.

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Tampa Bay left fielder Greg Vaughn left Saturday’s game against the Oakland Athletics with a mild left hamstring strain after making a diving catch of Johnny Damon’s line drive in the third inning.

The Devil Rays also recalled pitcher Juan Guzman from triple-A Durham and put him on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder tendinitis. The move likely ends Guzman’s stay with the Devil Rays. Tampa Bay added first-round draft pick Dewon Brazelton to the roster and activated pitcher Jeff Wallace from the 15-day disabled list.

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John Sirignano, a top aide to former Pittsburgh General Manager Cam Bonifay, has left his position as the Pirates’ assistant general manager.

Sirignano had been with the Pirates for 13 years and worked in their baseball operations department since 1990.

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Chicago White Sox designated hitter Harold Baines will go to triple-A Charlotte today for a two-game rehabilitation stint....Toronto recalled right-hander Brian Bowles and infielder Cesar Izturis from triple-A Syracuse ....Detroit recalled catcher Brandon Inge from triple-A Toledo....Cleveland purchased the contracts of left-handed reliever Scott Radinsky, catcher Tim Laker and outfielder Karim Garcia.