Rios Not Ready to Return to Blue Jays

Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Alex Rios will be sidelined at least another 10 days because of an infection in his lower left leg, the team said Friday.

Rios hasn’t played since fouling a ball off his leg June 27.

The All-Star is out of the hospital and rehabilitating with the Blue Jays, but Manager John Gibbons doesn’t expect him back before the end of their 10-game homestand.

Rios, who underwent a second surgical procedure to remove fluid from the infected area, is batting .330 with 15 home runs and 53 runs batted in.

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Chicago White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski said that his fine for inciting the crowd after a brawl in a game against the Cubs was reduced to $250 after his appeal.

Pierzynski was originally fined $2,000 for his role in the brawl in the White Sox’s 7-0 victory on May 20.

“We thought it was awfully high,” Pierzynski said.

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Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Brett Myers rejoined the team Friday and is expected to pitch Sunday after taking a leave of absence following his arrest on charges that he hit his wife in the face.

“I’ve been humbled greatly by this problem and I deeply regret any incident that happened,” Myers said Friday before the Phillies played the San Francisco Giants. “Over the last several weeks I learned a lot about myself and I have a lot more to learn.”

A somber Myers spoke for 45 seconds and left without taking questions.

“I want to apologize to my wife, my family, my teammates, the entire Phillies organization and especially the fans,” he said. “I would like to thank you for respecting our privacy. We’ve both decided it is time for me to rejoin the team.”

Myers and his wife, Kim, will continue to participate in professional counseling sessions as part of the Phillies’ employee assistance program.

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The Baltimore Orioles optioned struggling right-hander Daniel Cabrera to triple-A Ottawa. Cabrera (4-7, 5.25 earned-run average) leads the majors with 75 walks and 13 wild pitches.

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Reliever Esteban Yan was designated for assignment by the Cincinnati Reds. Yan, obtained from the Angels for a minor leaguer on May 30, pitched in 14 games for the Reds, going 1-0 with one save and a 3.60 ERA.

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The Washington Nationals signed free-agent outfielder Luis Matos and assigned outfielder Marlon Byrd to triple-A New Orleans after he cleared waivers. The Nationals also put right-hander John Patterson, who has a strained right forearm, on the 15-day disabled list.

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As expected, the New York Yankees signed right-hander Sidney Ponson. He is scheduled to make his first start Tuesday against Seattle.

The Yankees moved struggling right-hander Shawn Chacon to the bullpen to make room for Ponson, who is hoping a return to the American League is what he needs to right his once-promising career.

“I know most of the hitters in this league and it’s easier to pitch, you don’t have to run the bases,” said Ponson, who broke into the major leagues with Baltimore in 1998 and has played most of his career with the Orioles. He was released by the St. Louis Cardinals last week.