With 8.59 ERA, Former Dodger Lima Sent to Minors by Mets

The New York Mets cut pitchers Jose Lima, Heath Bell and Yusaku Iriki to trim their major-league roster to 27 players.

Lima, a former Dodger, posted a 8.59 earned-run average in five spring training games.

He was competing for the fifth spot in the Mets’ starting rotation, which went to rookie Brian Bannister, the son of former major league pitcher Floyd Bannister.

While Lima was upset the Mets waited until the final day to cut him, he didn’t want to cause a fuss, perhaps realizing that this was his best opportunity to get back to the majors this year.

“I’m not going to start cursing [Manager] Willie Randolph and put a lock on my career,” said Lima, who has agreed to go to triple-A Norfolk. “I’m 33 years old. At least they want me to go down there.”

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Albert Pujols hit three home runs, connecting once off Pedro Martinez and twice against Victor Zambrano in the St. Louis Cardinals’ 9-6 exhibition win over the Mets at Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Martinez gave up three runs in four innings. He is expected to make his first start Thursday.

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Manager Joe Torre picked Chien-Ming Wang and Shawn Chacon for the third and fourth spots in the New York Yankees’ rotation, leaving Jaret Wright as the fifth starter and long reliever.

The Yankees also shut down right-hander Carl Pavano, who already had been scheduled to begin the season on the disabled list because of a back injury.

Randy Johnson will pitch the season opener Monday in Oakland, with Mike Mussina the No. 2 starter.

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The Oakland Athletics acquired right-hander Juan Dominguez from the Texas Rangers in a three-way trade that also sent utility player Freddie Bynum to the Chicago Cubs.

The A’s sent Bynum and left-hander John Rheinecker to Texas. The Rangers then dealt Bynum to the Cubs for left-hander John Koronka.

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Outfielder Jody Gerut was sent to the minors by the Pittsburgh Pirates, an unexpected move that created a roster spot for center fielder Nate McLouth.