Royals option pitcher Austin to Omaha

Kansas City, Mo. Rookie right-hander Jeff Austin, the fourth overall pick in the 1998 draft, was optioned Sunday to Class AAA Omaha by the Kansas City Royals.

Austin appeared in only one of the first five games, giving up three hits and one run Saturday in two-thirds of an inning against the Chicago White Sox. The Royals sent Austin out after the 9-2 victory Sunday over the White Sox.

The Royals, who are off today, plan to activate closer Roberto Hernandez before Tuesday’s game at Boston. Hernandez rejoined the club Sunday after throwing an inning Saturday for Omaha on an injury rehabilitation assignment.

Hernandez, who started the season on the disabled list with a strained right elbow, allowed one unearned run to Tacoma on two walks and a wild pitch Saturday while striking out two.

Blake Stein had the Royals’ only save in Hernandez’ absence.

Oakland puts Velarde on 15-day disabled list

Seattle The Oakland Athletics placed infielder Randy Velarde on the 15-day disabled list Sunday because of an injured left hand.

Velarde was hit on the hand by a pitch from Texas’ Chan Ho Park on opening night last Monday. The move is retroactive to Friday. Velarde was used as a pinch-runner Thursday.

To take Velarde’s place on the A’s roster, the team called up shortstop Mark Ellis from Triple-A Sacramento. Ellis also can play second base.

Trainer Larry Davis said the 39-year-old Velarde had an MRI on Saturday that showed a fracture, but he couldn’t tell if it was an old fracture or a new one. Velarde went back to Oakland, Calif., on Sunday to be examined by a hand specialist.

Velarde still has swelling in his left hand. Davis said the injury could keep Velarde out up to three weeks.

Detroit activates Palmer, recalls Torres

Detroit The Detroit Tigers activated Dean Palmer from the 15-day disabled list Sunday and recalled outfielder Andres Torres from Triple-A Toledo.

Right-hander Danny Patterson went on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 4, with a swollen throwing elbow, and infielder Damian Jackson was put on the 15-day DL with a cut finger.

Palmer hasn’t played for the Tigers since July 1. The 10-year veteran had surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff later that month.

Torres played in three games for Toledo, going 1-for-12 with a stolen base. He was scheduled to make his major league debut Sunday against Cleveland as the starting center fielder.

Yankees activate Mendoza from DL

New York The New York Yankees activated reliever Ramiro Mendoza from the 15-day disabled list after Sunday’s game and optioned righty Jay Tessmer to Triple-A Columbus.

Mendoza, bothered by a stiff neck, appeared in just one major league spring training game and remained in Florida when the Yankees broke camp.

“I feel good and I’m ready to pitch,” he said.

Mendoza went 8-4 with a 3.75 ERA in 56 games last season and allowed one run over 12 1/3 innings during the postseason. He will join Steve Karsay as New York’s right-handed setup men for closer Mariano Rivera.

“We’ll bring him in when we can use a groundball,” manager Joe Torre said. “He’s pretty versatile for us.”