Yankees Endure More Off-Field Drama

Alex Rodriguez insisted he wasn’t bothered by George Steinbrenner’s public criticism, and the New York Yankees sent struggling ace Randy Johnson for an MRI exam to make sure he isn’t hurt.

Just another day with the Yankees.

Johnson’s health is the most important matter, and apparently he is physically sound. Tests on his left shoulder showed nothing abnormal, the team said.

“We just wanted to get that aside,� Manager Joe Torre said. “Now he can focus on mechanics.�

The 42-year-old Johnson is 5-3 with a 5.01 ERA. He gave up seven runs -- two earned -- and five hits in 3 2/3 innings Tuesday night in a 14-3 loss to Boston, the fourth time in five starts he has struggled.

“I can’t remember the last time I pitched a good ballgame,� he said.

The issue for Rodriguez is player-owner.

After a sloppy game Tuesday night, the two-time AL MVP was singled out in quotes attributed to Steinbrenner in New York newspapers Wednesday.

“I’m upset at a lot of them,� he was quoted as saying. “The third baseman!�

But Torre said Steinbrenner called him Wednesday and told him his comments were misinterpreted.

Rodriguez acknowledged he was surprised that Steinbrenner singled him out.

“It’s been my first time,� he said. “We all know the history of that. It’s pretty common.�

But Rodriguez said it didn’t bother him.

“He’s the boss. He can say whatever he’s inclined,� Rodriguez said. “He signs everybody’s checks, so he’s entitled to it.�

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The Philadelphia Phillies will call up 22-year-old pitcher Cole Hamels, their first-round pick in 2002, to make his major league debut Friday against the Cincinnati Reds.

“I’ll tell him to throw about 10 shutouts, and then from there I’ll evaluate him,� Manager Charlie Manuel said.

Hamels is considered one of the organization’s prized prospects. The left-hander went 3-1 with a 1.04 ERA in seven minor league starts this year. He has 65 strikeouts in 43 1/3 innings and opposing batters are hitting only .168 against him.