Ortiz Back in Hospital for Tests

Red Sox slugger David Ortiz was hospitalized in Boston for the second time this month, checking into Massachusetts General on Tuesday night for further tests on his heart.

Ortiz felt heart palpitations about 10 days ago and again before Monday night’s game in Oakland, where he was a late scratch from the lineup. He returned to Boston for more tests, Red Sox medical director Thomas Gill said.

The team didn’t release any further information.

“He has to know that he is fine,” Manager Terry Francona said. “We’re not going to jeopardize his health.”

Earlier Tuesday, the Red Sox also sent Manny Ramirez (knee) and Wily Mo Pena (wrist) to Boston for tests.

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Roy Oswalt and the Houston Astros agreed to a $73-million, five-year contract extension, the biggest deal the team has given to a pitcher.

Oswalt is is in the second year of a two-year, $16.9-million contract that pays him $11 million this season.

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Florida Manager Joe Girardi did not travel to a game in St. Louis, choosing to remain at home with his pregnant wife and brace for a possible hurricane. Kim Girardi is close to delivering the couple’s third child.

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Pitcher John Smoltz met with Atlanta General Manager John Schuerholz to patch things over, one day after a newspaper report in which Smoltz sounded a bit miffed that Atlanta would wait until after the season before deciding whether to pick up his $8-million option for 2007.

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Baltimore activated outfielder David Newhan, who broke his right leg against the Angels in April, from the disabled list....Texas Rangers pitcher Kip Wells will have season-ending foot surgery within the next week. He was injured on an awkward follow-through against Seattle on Aug. 11.