Hitting coach Ward fired by White Sox

Chicago — Gary Ward was fired as hitting coach of the struggling Chicago White Sox and replaced by Greg Walker.

Ward’s dismissal came late Sunday night after Chicago lost three straight games at Minnesota, scoring six runs in the series. Ward was hired two years ago after Von Joshua was fired.

Karsay to have shoulder surgery

Boston — New York Yankees reliever Steve Karsay will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder today and will miss most — if not all — of the year.

“It’s premature, but if everything goes right, we could have him back toward the end of the season,” general manager Brian Cashman said.

Phillies’ Cormier will appeal fine

Philadelphia — Philadelphia Phillies reliever Rheal Cormier appealed the $750 fine he received for throwing two inside pitches at Toronto pitcher Roy Halladay in a March 26 exhibition game.

Cormier is scheduled to meet with Bob DuPuy, baseball’s president and chief operating officer, at the commissioner’s office in New York.