Brown day to day with strained back

New York — Tests on Kevin Brown’s troublesome back showed no major damage, and he might not even miss a start for the New York Yankees.

Brown was treated for a strained lower back Friday and is day to day after getting hurt earlier in the week.

He had an MRI, CT scan and X-rays on Thursday. The tests did not reveal a herniated disk, the team said. Brown had surgery to repair a disc in his back in 2002.

Torre left open the possibility that Brown could make his next scheduled start Tuesday in Arizona. If he’s not available, Tanyon Sturtze will probably make his first start for New York since being acquired from Los Angeles on May 15.

“I don’t think we’re under any stress to make a decision because we have the off day Monday,” Torre said.

Brown (7-1) was forced to leave Wednesday night’s start against Colorado after two ineffective innings because of stiffness in his lower back.

Sturtze is 1-0 for New York with a 4.15 ERA in five relief appearances.

Injured Indians catcher to miss weekend series

Cleveland — Indians catcher Victor Martinez will miss at least a few games after spraining his right foot while running the bases. An MRI taken Friday was negative, but Martinez probably won’t play this weekend against Cincinnati.

Cleveland purchased the contract of 33-year-old Sandy Martinez from Triple-A Buffalo to back up Tim Laker while Victor Martinez is out.

Cards recall Simontacchi, send Haren to the minors

Arlington, Texas — St. Louis recalled pitcher Jason Simontacchi and optioned Dan Haren to Triple-A Memphis before Friday’s game against Texas.

Haren gave up 10 runs in 3 2/3 innings in an emergency start Thursday against the Chicago Cubs. Haren was filling for the ailing Jason Marquis, who was sidelined by back spasms.

Simontacchi, who won a combined 20 games for the Cardinals the past two years, was sent to Memphis in April after giving up four home runs in five innings of relief.