Former Red Sox Chief Johnson Dies

Darrell Johnson, who managed the Boston Red Sox to the World Series in 1975, has died at age 75.

The Red Sox said Johnson died Monday of leukemia at his home in Fairfield, Calif.

Johnson, who also managed the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers, went 220-188 during 2 1/2 seasons with the Red Sox from 1974-76. Boston won the AL pennant in ’75 but lost to the Cincinnati Reds in seven games in the World Series.

Johnson managed the Mariners from 1977-80, compiling a 226-362 record. He was 26-40 during part of the 1982 season with Texas.

He was fired midway through the 1976 season in Boston and replaced by Don Zimmer.

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The Seattle Mariners released right-hander Kevin Jarvis, meaning the team must pay the remainder of his $4.25-million salary.

The Mariners also recalled right-hander Rafael Soriano from a minor league rehabilitation assignment and put infielder Willie Bloomquist on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Sunday, with a strained lower back.

The 34-year-old Jarvis was 1-0 with an 8.31 earned-run average in eight relief appearances. He gave up 20 hits in 13 innings, including eight hits and seven earned runs over a three-inning span of his last two outings.

He joined the Mariners in the six-player trade that sent infielder Jeff Cirillo to San Diego in January.

Jarvis was in the final year of a $9-million, three-year contract he signed after leading San Diego with 12 wins in 2001.

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Ken Griffey Jr. was out of the Cincinnati lineup as a precaution because of a tight hamstring. The center fielder felt it tighten after chasing a flyball in the outfield during a 7-5 victory in Houston on Monday night, and left the game.

“It’s getting better,” Griffey said. “It just tightened up and we don’t want to take the chance of doing anything else. Hopefully, that’s it.”

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The Toronto Blue Jays acquired minor league infielder Stubby Clapp from the Cleveland Indians for a player to be named.... The Mariners exercised Manager Bob Melvin’s 2005 option despite their poor start. Melvin signed a two-year contract with an option in November 2002, succeeding Lou Piniella.... The Montreal Expos recalled right-hander Jeremy Fikac from triple-A Edmonton and put left-hander Rigo Beltran on the 15-day disabled list.... The New York Mets promoted reliever Ricky Bottalico from triple-A Norfolk and designated pitcher Grant Roberts for assignment.... The Arizona Diamondbacks recalled infielder Scott Hairston from triple-A Tucson and designated catcher Bobby Estalella for assignment.