D’Backs decline options on three pitchers

Phoenix After getting swept in the first round of the NL playoffs, the Arizona Diamondbacks declined their contract options on three right-handed pitchers Tuesday.

Rick Helling, the only Diamondbacks starter other than Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling with at least 10 wins this year, got a buyout along with Armando Reynoso, a former member of the rotation, and reliever Mike Morgan.

Mets keep Alomar

New York The New York Mets exercised their $8 million contract option on second baseman Roberto Alomar on Tuesday and waived pitcher Satoru Komiyama. Alomar hit .266 in 149 games, his lowest batting average since his rookie year of 1988. The Mets declined a $1 million option on Komiyama, who was signed as a free agent in December.

Cards will start selling Series tickets Saturday

St. Louis The St. Louis Cardinals still have to get past the San Francisco Giants, but they’re already planning ahead to the World Series.

The team has received approval to begin selling World Series tickets, which go on sale at 8 a.m. Saturday.

If the Cardinals make it to the Series, they would host games 3, 4 and 5 at Busch Stadium.

About 10,000 World Series tickets will be available for fans in St. Louis. Those tickets will be divided equally between the Busch Stadium ticket office, the Cardinals’ charge lines at 314-421-2400, and the Internet site www.stlcardinals.com.

Perez signs with Phillies

Philadelphia Utility infielder Tomas Perez signed a two-year, $1.3 million contract Tuesday with the Philadelphia Phillies.