Brown to Skip Start for Yankees

Kevin Brown was scratched from his scheduled start Thursday because of his bad back and Carl Pavano’s return from a shoulder injury was pushed back, leaving the New York Yankees uncertain about two turns in their rotation this week.

Brown met with a doctor in Colorado and Manager Joe Torre said Tuesday that Brown wouldn’t pitch until Brown’s doctor and the team doctor talked and came up with a plan.

Pavano, who hasn’t pitched since June 27 because of a sore right shoulder, will make a rehabilitation start today in the Gulf Coast League. New York had hoped he would start Saturday against the Angels.

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The Cleveland Indians put designated hitter Travis Hafner on the 15-day disabled list after he sat out nine games because of a concussion.

Hafner has been having dizzy spells since being hit in the face by a pitch from Mark Buehrle of the Chicago White Sox on July 16.

The Indians purchased the contract of infielder-outfielder Jeff Liefer from triple-A Buffalo. Cleveland also recalled left-hander Brian Tallet from Buffalo and optioned right-hander Fernando Cabrera to the triple-A club.

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In advance of the trial that will determine whether the Angels have broken their stadium lease by changing their name to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the team has asked the Orange County Superior Court for several rulings that could impact the trial.

In papers filed Friday, the Angels asked the court to rule that the team name need not be limited to Anaheim Angels, that Anaheim need not be the first word of the name and that they can sell themselves however they see fit.

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Atlanta pitcher Mike Hampton is returning to the disabled list, this time because of a back injury.... Toronto activated third baseman Corey Koskie from the disabled list and optioned right-hander Chad Gaudin to the minors.... Seattle optioned outfielder Chris Snelling to triple-A Tacoma and activated infielder Dave Hansen off the 15-day disabled list.... Washington outfielder Marlon Byrd won the appeal of his two-game suspension for making contact with umpire Joe Brinkman on June 4.... Washington activated first baseman Nick Johnson from the disabled list.... Seattle signed first-round draft pick Jeff Clement, a catcher from USC.