Steinbrenner speaks out

New York – George Steinbrenner has spoken: For now, Joe Torre has his backing to turn around the Yankees following a start the owner termed “clearly not acceptable.”

“The season is still very young, but up to now the results are clearly not acceptable to me or to Yankee fans,” Steinbrenner said in a statement. “However, Brian Cashman, our general manager, Joe Torre, our manager, and our players all believe that they will turn this around quickly.”

Wickman goes on DL

Atlanta – Braves closer Bob Wickman went on the disabled list with an upper back strain Monday, one day after the veteran blew a save for the second straight time.

Atlanta activated reliever Chad Paronto, who had been on the DL since April 14 with a muscle strain near his groin. Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano could be used as closers in Wickman’s absence.

Mets put two on DL

New York – The New York Mets got a double dose of bad medical news Monday: Starting pitcher Orlando Hernandez has bursitis in his right shoulder and second baseman Jose Valentin has a partially torn knee ligament. Both were put on the 15-day disabled list.

Pujols walks on ball 3

Milwaukee – Cardinals’ slugger Albert Pujols got a premature walk in the sixth inning of St. Louis’ game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday night.

Pujols fell behind Brewers’ starter and former teammate Jeff Suppan 0-2 before fouling off a pitch, taking two balls and fouling off another. He was awarded first base by home plate umpire Dan Iassogna after the next pitch.

Wright has bad shoulder

Baltimore – The Orioles put right-handed pitcher Jaret Wright on the 15-day disabled list Monday with a recurrence of soreness in his right shoulder.