Mets’ Mota returns after 50-game ban

New York – Guillermo Mota received plenty of support from his teammates when he joined the New York Mets on Wednesday after serving a 50-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

Mota got a pat on the back from Tom Glavine before the Mets faced the San Francisco Giants. Fellow reliever Billy Wagner stood nearby as Mota answered questions about the suspension.

The right-hander said it was difficult watching the team while he was out.

“I was sitting and watching and thinking I don’t want to do it again,” Mota said. “It’s something you just learn from.”

The Mets optioned right-hander Ambiorix Burgos to Triple-A New Orleans to make room for Mota.

Molina out 4-6 weeks

Denver – St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina will be sidelined four to six weeks due to a fractured left wrist. The Cardinals placed Molina on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday and purchased the contract of catcher Brian Esposito from Triple-A Memphis. Esposito, 28, will be making his major-league debut.

Rangers recall Koronka

Oakland, Calif. – The Texas Rangers recalled lefty John Koronka from Triple-A Oklahoma and sent down Mike Wood on Wednesday, a day after the right-hander helped snap a six-game losing streak. Koronka started Wednesday’s series finale at Oakland and took the loss in the Rangers’ 6-1 defeat.

Mauer’s return delayed

Minneapolis – Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer’s return from the disabled list has been delayed. The reigning AL batting champion, who was hitting .353 when he strained his left quadriceps earlier this month, showed up sore Wednesday for the second straight day. The team still hopes to activate Mauer for Friday’s game at Oakland, but team trainers wanted to limit his activities.

Twins bring up Slowey

Minneapolis – The Minnesota Twins recalled right-hander Kevin Slowey from Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday in advance of his major-league debut. The 23-year-old Slowey will start Friday night at Oakland, taking Ramon Ortiz’s place in the rotation.

Smoltz feels OK

Milwaukee – Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz felt fine after playing catch Wednesday before his team’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers. The 40-year-old right-hander left Tuesday night’s game in the fourth inning after aggravating a pinkie injury while batting and then feeling a tweak in his pitching shoulder while warming up on the mound.