Steinbrenner says Torre’s job is safe

For now, Manager Joe Torre has the backing of George Steinbrenner to turn around the New York Yankees after a start the owner termed “clearly not acceptable.”

Steinbrenner challenged players and staff “to show me and the fans what they are made of” and said of his $195-million team, “I believe in them.”

Steinbrenner had refused to comment on the last-place Yankees, who were 1-5 against the Boston Red Sox the last two weekends. New York has lost eight of nine and is in last place in the American League East.

“The season is still very young, but up to now the results are clearly not acceptable to me or to Yankee fans,” Steinbrenner said in a statement. “However, Brian Cashman, our general manager, Joe Torre, our manager, and our players all believe that they will turn this around quickly.”

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New York Mets starting pitcher Orlando Hernandez has bursitis in his right shoulder and second baseman Jose Valentin has a partially torn knee ligament. Both were put on the 15-day disabled list.

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The Baltimore Orioles put right-hander Jaret Wright on the 15-day disabled list because of a recurrence of soreness in his right shoulder and recalled left-hander Kurt Birkins from triple-A Norfolk.

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Atlanta Braves closer Bob Wickman was put on the disabled list because of what the team called a back strain, one day after the veteran blew a save for the second consecutive time.

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Toronto Blue Jays triple-A pitcher Matt Roney was suspended for 50 games after testing positive for a drug of abuse.

The Blue Jays put left-hander Gustavo Chacin on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained left elbow. The move is retroactive to April 29.

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Shortstop Dave Concepcion, a nine-time All-Star and five-time Gold Glove winner for the Cincinnati Reds from 1970 to 1988, will have his No. 13 retired by the team before a July 28 game against the Chicago Cubs.

Concepcion is the ninth player or manager to have his number retired by the Reds.