Piniella Will Not Return to Tampa

Lou Piniella will not return as manager of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays next season, a decision that had long been expected after he questioned ownership’s commitment to winning.

“We’ve got a new ownership group taking over. They need to bring in their own manager that they can grow with,” Piniella said Friday night, when the Devil Rays began a season-ending series against the Baltimore Orioles at St. Petersburg, Fla.

“At the same time, it’ll give me time to go home and relax, fish and play some golf. I’m tired. I need some time off. It’ll give me a chance to do those things, and at the same time to evaluate and look at situations that might arise about my future.”

Piniella had a year left on a $13-million, four-year contract he signed in October 2002 but, under terms of a buyout, will be free to pursue other jobs after Sunday’s season finale.

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Oriole second baseman Brian Roberts underwent surgery to replace a left elbow ligament and reattach a left arm tendon, injuries sustained during a collision last week against the New York Yankees.

Roberts suffered the injuries on Sept. 20 when he covered first base and collided with Bubba Crosby, who was running up the line.

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Florida Marlin owner Jeffrey Loria says he expects a decision this weekend regarding the future of Manager Jack McKeon, who has hinted that he won’t return in next season.

Loria said the situation would be resolved before the end of the season Sunday, but the 74-year-old McKeon said he wouldn’t announce his decision until after the season.

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Seattle Mariner catcher Dan Wilson, who plans to retire at the end of the season, was activated from the 60-day disabled list so he could start Friday night’s game against the Oakland A’s.