Yankees’ Williams to Sit Out Season Opener

Center fielder Bernie Williams will sit out the New York Yankees’ opening two-game series in Tokyo against Tampa Bay that starts March 30.

Williams is working his way into shape after an appendectomy on Feb. 26.

“By the time we’re ready to leave in a couple weeks, he may be into full-time action but, obviously, at that point in time won’t have enough at-bats,” Yankee Manager Joe Torre said.

Williams will remain in Florida to play in minor league games.

“I would have liked to leave with the team, but I think what’s best for me is to get my at-bats and get ready,” he said. “It might work out in my best interest by staying.”

Williams hit off a tee Thursday for the first time since surgery. He resumed light jogging and throwing Monday.

“No pain. It was very encouraging,” Williams said. “It feels like I’m starting spring training all over again.”

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Baltimore Oriole shortstop Miguel Tejada left Thursday’s game against Boston at Fort Myers, Fla., because of a strained lower right leg muscle.

“Everything is fine ... I’m going to be OK,” Tejada said after the Orioles’ 10-8 victory over the Red Sox.

“It just hurt real bad for about five seconds, and then it went away. After the doc checked it and I got some ice, it went away.”

X-rays were taken at City of Palms Park to determine the extent of the injury, which began to bother Tejada during warmups. Tejada returned to the Oriole clubhouse on a motorized cart and went to the training room for treatment, walking without a limp.

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Florida Marlin third baseman Mike Lowell had a bone scan that indicated soreness in his throwing elbow was caused by inflammation.

The scan ruled out a stress fracture. Earlier tests had revealed swelling but no structural damage to the joint, which began bothering Lowell in August.

Lowell plans to rest for several more days and then resume throwing Tuesday.