Judge turns down request to unseal names in Grimsley case
PHOENIX - A federal magistrate judge rejected a request by The Associated Press to reveal the names of players allegedly implicated in drug use by former major league pitcher Jason Grimsley.
"Disclosure at this time may compromise the ongoing investigation in several ways," U.S. Magistrate Edward C. Voss wrote in a seven-page order Friday.
The AP's application, filed last month in U.S. District Court in Phoenix, was opposed by the U.S. Attorney's office in San Francisco, which is conducting the investigation, and by the Major League Baseball Players Association.
The AP had asked the court to reveal names blacked out in a sworn statement by Internal Revenue Service special agent Jeff Novitzky. The document was used to support a warrant to search Grimsley's Arizona home last year.
Lofton returns to Cleveland
Of the 11 uniforms Kenny Lofton has worn during a 17-year odyssey around the majors, there's only one he never wanted to take off.
He's wearing it once more.
Lofton returned for his third stint with Cleveland -- and another playoff run -- as the Texas Rangers traded the 40-year-old outfielder to the Indians for minor league catcher Max Ramirez.
"I missed being in Cleveland," a beaming Lofton said after arriving at Jacobs Field. "It's the city that got me going."
Randy Johnson to undergo season-ending surgery
Randy Johnson will have season-ending back surgery and intends to be back for the Arizona Diamondbacks at spring training next year.
"I have no intention at this time of retiring," he said at a news conference. "I'll cross the bridge of surgery and be willing to go through the process of rehabilitation again because I know I can still pitch. And I love pitching. It's what I've been doing since I was 7 years old."
It marks the second year in a row that the Big Unit will have an operation on his troublesome back. It will be the third back operation of his career.
The 43-year-old left-hander was traded to the Diamondbacks from the New York Yankees in the offseason, signing a $26 million, two-year contract with Arizona, the franchise where he experienced his greatest success in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Broken hand may not cost Utley much time
Chase Utley's broken hand might not keep him out of the lineup for as long as the Phillies originally feared.
The All-Star second baseman could be back in only three weeks, encouraging news for a team that sorely needs one of their top run producers as it chases New York in the NL East race.
The Phillies originally thought Utley could be sidelined much longer -- perhaps four-to-six weeks -- but team doctor Michael Ciccotti said the gritty star might return early.
Schilling looking at likely return of Aug 5 or 6.
Boston right-hander Curt Schilling was upbeat one day after his second rehabilitation start and will likely rejoin the Red Sox rotation in a little more than one week.
Red Sox manager Terry Francona said Schilling's probable return will be on Aug. 5 at Seattle or one day later against the Los Angeles Angels.
Bonds' visit coincides with Dodgers' steroid awareness plans
The Dodgers will host a steroid awareness clinic Thursday before they play Barry Bonds and the San Francisco Giants.
No, it's not for the players.
About 100 kids from area Little League teams are expected for a two-hour steroid awareness clinic to be held on the field during the afternoon.
Around the league
Miguel Tejada was activated from the disabled list by the Baltimore Orioles, who welcomed back their starting shortstop far sooner than anticipated. ... Former San Francisco Giants pitching prospect Thomas King was suspended for 50 games after testing positive for a drug of abuse under baseball's minor league drug program. ... Florida Marlins pitching prospect Jeff Allison has returned to the restricted list, a setback in his bid to come back from drug problems. ... Pedro Martinez threw 65 pitches in batting practice at the New York Mets' spring training complex in Port St. Lucie, Fla., and could be ready for a minor league rehabilitation game next week. ... Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood pitched a perfect first inning in his third rehab assignment and second in two nights with Single-A Peoria.
