Palmeiro Sent Home to Rest Knee

Rafael Palmeiro was sent home to Texas to rehabilitate knee and ankle injuries, leaving his baseball future unclear during a season in which he was suspended for a positive steroid test.

Palmeiro’s season unraveled soon after he collected his 3,000th hit on July 15. He received a 10-day suspension Aug. 1 for failing a drug test and upon his return was booed by spectators in Baltimore and on the road. He is two for 26 with one run batted in since coming back.

“It is in his and the Orioles’ best interests for Palmeiro to stay off the knee as much as possible to allow it to heal completely,” the team said in statement. “At the same time, remaining with the team while unable to play has created an unnecessary distraction for both Palmeiro and the ballclub.”

Palmeiro left for Texas on Monday.

“We will monitor him and bring him back at the end when he’s ready,” interim Manager Sam Perlozzo said. “We definitely feel like he’s going to play again this year. I’d like to see him get back for the last 10 days, anyway.”

This isn’t the way Palmeiro, 40, wanted to go out, so he’s considering returning next season.

“I just don’t know. I can’t look that far ahead and predict what’s going to happen,” Palmeiro said.

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Cincinnati center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. was listed as day to day after an MRI exam revealed a strained right foot. Griffey was injured Sunday when he rolled his foot rounding second base.