Reds’ Ortiz Forced Out by Injury

A slight groin strain forced right-hander Ramon Ortiz out of Cincinnati’s 9-4 victory over the New York Yankees on Wednesday night at Sarasota, Fla., a late March setback for the Reds’ rotation.

Ortiz felt discomfort in the groin on his first pitch to Alex Rodriguez in the fifth inning, prompting him to back off the mound. Manager Dave Miley, pitching coach Don Gullett and trainer Mark Mann went to the mound, and Ortiz left the game after simulating one throw.

The Reds expect to have a better idea of how long he’ll be sidelined after another examination today.

The Reds acquired Ortiz from the Angels in December.

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Pitcher Roger Clemens tested his strained right hamstring in a simulated game and impressed his Houston Astro teammates.

Clemens threw 90 pitches. He didn’t speak with reporters after his first outing since injuring his hamstring Friday against Detroit, but catcher Brad Ausmus said Clemens looked ready to pitch in a game.

Also Wednesday, Clemens’ orange Hummer -- a present from the New York Yankees for his 300th win -- was stolen and found after the pitcher’s son, Koby, drove it to school and left it unlocked, police in Houston said.

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Right-hander Albie Lopez pulled himself out of the running for a spot on the Pittsburgh Pirates’ pitching staff by leaving camp and was subsequently released.