Baltimore Reunites Ortiz With Mazzone

The Baltimore Orioles signed right-hander Russ Ortiz on Sunday, hoping that a reunion with pitching coach Leo Mazzone rekindles the success that made Ortiz a 20-game winner with Atlanta.

“I think Leo is always up for a challenge,” Baltimore Manager Sam Perlozzo said. “He’s usually up for getting someone back on track. It seems like his track record is he’s able to do that.”

Ortiz was designated for assignment by Arizona on June 13 after 1 1/2 frustrating seasons.

After receiving a four-year, $33-million free-agent deal after a 21-7 season with Atlanta in 2003, Ortiz was 5-16 with a 7.00 earned-run average in 28 starts with Arizona.

The Diamondbacks cut Ortiz loose despite owing him almost $22 million.

Ortiz was 0-5 in six starts this season.

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Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz expects to make his next scheduled start Wednesday at Yankee Stadium.

Smoltz had a bullpen session on Sunday, two days after he strained his right groin.

The right-hander was hurt when he followed through on a pitch and took a couple of steps toward the first base line to pursue Damon Hollins’ slow dribbler in the second inning of Friday night’s game against Tampa Bay.

Smoltz is 4-5 with a 3.89 ERA in 16 starts.

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Chicago Cubs outfielder Freddie Bynum will stay in a Minneapolis hospital until at least Tuesday while doctors examine swelling in his right arm.

Bynum left Saturday night’s game against the Minnesota Twins after discovering the swelling.

He was put on the 15-day disabled list because of shoulder inflammation.

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Texas Rangers right-handed pitcher Robinson Tejeda was sent to triple-A Oklahoma, a day after giving up seven runs in three innings.