Prinz sent to minors after giving up slam

New York Arizona relief pitcher Bret Prinz was again sent back to the minors Tuesday, a day after giving up Shane Spencer’s decisive grand slam at Yankee Stadium.

Prinz was optioned out, although Diamondbacks manager Bob Brenly said it was uncertain what farm club the shaky sidearmer would join.

“He seems to feel he’ll benefit from going to Lancaster” to rejoin former pitching coach Royal Clayton at Class A, Brenly said.

With Junior Spivey unable to start because of a mildly strained right hamstring, infielder Alex Cintron was recalled from Triple-A Tucson. Cintron was in the starting lineup Tuesday against New York.

Surgeon ‘guarded’ about Brown’s return

Los Angeles Oft-injured Dodgers ace Kevin Brown underwent back surgery Tuesday, and his surgeon said he was “guarded” about whether the right-hander would pitch again this season.

Dr. Robert Watkins repaired an extruded disc in the nerve canal of Brown’s lower back during a two-hour procedure at University of Southern California Medical Center.

“I would be guarded in any recommendation that he’s going to be able to return this year,” Watkins said. “We’re just taking it one week at a time and see how he feels.”

Brown, 37, is expected to be hospitalized another two days, the team said.

Bierbrodt upgraded

Charleston S.C. Tampa Bay Devil Rays left-hander Nick Bierbrodt was upgraded to good condition Tuesday and moved out of intensive care at the Medical University of South Carolina four days after being shot in his right arm and chest.

Alomar sidelined with sprained left knee

Chicago New York Mets second baseman Roberto Alomar was not in the starting lineup Tuesday night against the Chicago White Sox because of a sprained left knee.

Alomar might be back in the lineup today, though Mets manager Bobby Valentine said he could be tempted to give him another day to rest. The Mets have Thursday off.