Yankees Decide to Release Zeile

Todd Zeile was released by the New York Yankees on Sunday, a move that came as no surprise to the veteran third baseman.

Zeile, signed as a free agent in December, hit .210 with six homers and 28 RBIs in 66 games. But he never could establish himself as an everyday starter, and the 37-year-old became expendable after the July 31 acquisition of third baseman Aaron Boone.

“It’s not a complete surprise,” said Zeile, who was told of the move before the Yankees played the Baltimore Orioles. “I understand to some degree.”

Zeile appeared in only one of the Yankees’ last 13 games before his release. He had one hit in two at-bats Tuesday before being pulled for a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning of a 6-0 win over Kansas City.

Before Boone arrived in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds, Zeile shared time at third base with Robin Ventura. The arrival of Boone also ended Ventura’s stint with the Yankees. He was dealt to the Dodgers on the same day.

“His production numbers for the number of at-bats was all right,” Manager Joe Torre said. “But his batting average wasn’t where it should be.”

During his short stay with the Yankees, Zeile hit his 238th homer, surpassing Gus Zernial for the most career home runs by a player whose name begins with the letter Z.

The Yankees recalled right-hander Jorge De Paula from triple-A Columbus to fill Zeile’s roster spot.

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Runelvys Hernandez, who won his first four starts of the season to help the Kansas City Royals move into first place in the American League Central Division, was sent down to double-A Wichita.

Hernandez (7-5) was roughed up for nine runs and nine hits in only 3 1/3 innings of a 14-5 loss to Minnesota on Saturday.

It was his seventh start since coming off the disabled list after having inflammation in his pitching elbow. The Royals’ opening day starter, Hernandez was 4-0 with a 1.04 earned-run average after his first five starts, but went on the disabled list on May 27.

The move left Kansas City’s four winningest pitchers -- Chris George, Jose Lima, Kris Wilson and Hernandez -- either in the minors or on the disabled list.

Lima (7-0) was expected to come off the disabled list today to take Hernandez’s roster spot and start against the New York Yankees.

Taking Hernandez’s spot in the rotation will be Paul Abbott (0-0), who was acquired from Arizona’s minor league system this month and has an ERA of 9.35 in 8 2/3 innings.

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The Boston Red Sox announced that outfielder Jeremy Giambi will have season-ending surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left shoulder. The procedure is scheduled for Tuesday in Los Angeles by Angel team physician Dr. Lewis Yocum.

Giambi has been on the disabled list since Aug. 5. He played in 50 games this season, hitting .197 with five home runs and 15 RBIs.

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The San Diego Padres signed their first-round selection in the June draft, right-hander Tim Stauffer of the University of Richmond.

Stauffer, the fourth overall pick, signed for only $750,000 because of an injured shoulder that could require surgery if it does not respond to a rehabilitation program.

He won’t pitch professionally this summer. Instead, he’ll work out with Class-A Lake Elsinore.