Twins GM Ryan resigns

Minnesota Twins General Manager Terry Ryan has resigned but will stay with the team as a senior adviser.

General manager for the last 13 years, Ryan said Thursday that his resignation was effective Sept. 30. He will be replaced by Bill Smith.

The Twins won the AL Central last season, but they’re two games under .500 this season and out of the playoff chase.

Ryan said his decision had nothing to do with the team’s record, adding,. “If we won 100 games this year or lost 100 games, this was going to happen.”

Ryan, 52, long has been considered one of baseball’s most savvy general managers, working within a limited payroll to build a team that won four AL Central titles in five seasons.

Roger Clemens threw 40 pitches “at about 80%” in a bullpen session before New York’s game against Toronto on Thursday and said he had “no doubt” he would be able to pitch at Boston on Sunday night.

Clemens, 6-6 with a 4.45 earned-run average this season, left a Sept. 3 start against Seattle after four innings because of elbow discomfort caused by a change in his mechanics, the result of a blister on his foot.

Baltimore Orioles Manager Dave Trembley and pitcher Daniel Cabrera were suspended by Major League Baseball for their roles in separate incidents during the last week.

Trembley was suspended for three games because he followed his ejection from Wednesday’s loss to the Angels with an animated tirade near second base.

Cabrera was suspended for six games for intentionally throwing a pitch at the head of Boston’s Dustin Pedroia last Friday and for his part in the bench-clearing incident that followed.

Both Trembley and Cabrera also were fined.

Trembley began serving his suspension Thursday. Cabrera will appeal his suspension and will be able to play until the appeal is addressed.