Agent Questions Handling of Injury

Pitcher A.J. Burnett’s agent says the Florida Marlins need to conduct an inquiry regarding the health of the right-hander, who is out for the season after elbow surgery.

“We should find out the truth,” agent Darek Braunecker said. “And more important, the Florida Marlins should find out the truth.”

On Thursday, Burnett said he had heard a rumor that Marlin management withheld information about his elbow from him and Manager Jeff Torborg. General Manager Larry Beinfest said the rumor was outrageous and untrue.

But the Palm Beach Post and South Florida Sun-Sentinel each quoted a Marlin source as saying there was knowledge within the organization about Burnett’s health that wasn’t shared with the pitcher or on-field staff.

The Post quoted a team official, speaking on condition of anonymity, as saying the medical staff knew Burnett had a bone spur in his elbow before the problem sent the pitcher to the disabled list last August.

Marlin team physician Dan Kanell was disappointed by the reports, saying he felt they questioned his integrity and professional ethics.

“The allegations that the management knew about the player’s medical condition before the player were not true,” Kanell said Friday. “The handling of this case has been proper and in good faith. Our only regard is for the best care for A.J.”

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Yankee bench coach Don Zimmer was in a New York hospital Friday, a day after being admitted for treatment of what the team called a mild gastrointestinal problem.

Zimmer, 72, is expected to be released in two-to-three days, the Yankees said.

Manager Joe Torre said Zimmer began to feel ill during Thursday night’s 2-1 win over Seattle.

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Minnesota pitcher Brad Radke was suspended for five games and Tampa Bay pitcher Nick Bierbrodt for three by Major League Baseball for hitting batters in the same game.

Tampa Bay Manager Lou Piniella and Minnesota coach Scott Ullger were suspended for one game each. All were fined, as was Devil Ray pitcher Seth McClung.

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The St. Louis Cardinals put pitcher Russ Springer on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained ligament in his elbow and optioned outfielder Kerry Robinson to triple-A Memphis. They called up two relievers, right-hander Mike Crudale and left-hander Kevin Ohme.... The Houston Astros recalled shortstop Adam Everett from triple-A New Orleans along with right-hander Kirk Saarloos. Infielder David Matranga, was optioned to New Orleans along with left-hander Jeriome Robertson.... The Texas Rangers optioned outfielder Kevin Mench to triple-A Oklahoma City and released catcher Chad Kreuter.... Toronto put right-hander Pete Walker on the 15-day disabled list because of soreness in his right shoulder.