Astros’ Berkman appeals suspension

Houston – Astros first baseman Lance Berkman

was suspended for two games and fined an undisclosed sum Friday, three days after he was ejected against Colorado and tossed his batting glove and equipment bag onto the field.

The suspension by Major League Baseball was to have begun Friday night against the Chicago White Sox. Berkman, however, is appealing the decision and played Friday.

Reds bring up Bailey

Cincinnati – The Cincinnati Reds returned right-handed reliever Todd Coffey to Triple-A Louisville on Friday. The Reds needed a roster spot for Homer Bailey, who made his major league debut Friday night at 21 against the Cleveland Indians.

Leyland: Zumaya may be out for year

Detroit – Until Joel Zumaya actually returns to the mound, Detroit manager Jim Leyland isn’t counting on seeing the hard-throwing reliever for a long time.

“The reports are that Joel Zumaya will be back in August,” Leyland said Friday. “However I’m not in any way, shape or form counting on that, and it would not surprise me if he was not ready to pitch before the season is over.”

Zumaya had surgery in mid-May to repair a ruptured tendon in his right middle finger. At the time, he was expected to miss three months.

Comeback in the Cards for pitcher Percival

St. Louis – Former All-Star closer Troy Percival, out of the majors since injuring his right arm in the middle of the 2005 season, will try to make a comeback with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Percival, 37, and the Cardinals agreed on a minor-league contract Friday. He will report to Triple-A Memphis.

Percival was working as a special assignment pitching instructor for the Los Angeles Angels before asking to be released from his coaching contract May 23.

Orioles place Hernandez on DL, call up Castillo

Baltimore – Orioles catcher Ramon Hernandez is back on the 15-day disabled list, this time with a bruised groin.

The Orioles purchased the contract of catcher Alberto Castillo from Triple-A Norfolk. Paul Bako will take over as the starting catcher.

A’s Bradley on DL again

San Fracisco – Milton Bradley’s hard-luck season took another downward turn Friday, when the Oakland outfielder went on the 15-day disabled list for the third time already in 2007.

Bradley came off his second DL stint May 30 after recovering from a strained left hamstring only to injure his right calf three days later, leaving Saturday’s game against Minnesota in the fifth inning.

Twins activate Mauer

Minneapolis – The Minnesota Twins activated All-Star catcher Joe Mauer from the disabled list Friday after he missed more than a month because of a strained left quadriceps.

Giambi back at stadium

New York – Jason Giambi was back at Yankee Stadium on Friday but had little to say.

The injured designated hitter hasn’t spoken with reporters since baseball commissioner Bud Selig asked him Wednesday to meet within two weeks with his top steroids investigator, former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell.