Notes

LITTLE ROCK — YANKEES

Rivera ‘working hard’ to return

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Injured New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera said Friday he’s “working hard” to return to baseball but will not push the pace if it means risking further injury.

During a visit to Saratoga Race Course, baseball’s career saves leader wouldn’t put a timetable on his return but said: “I’m not rushing it.”

“I want to pitch now,” he said. “But that doesn’t mean I will come back this year. It’s that 1 percent we have to hope. ... But at the same time you cannot push it. If you push it, you’ll make a mistake. Instead of pitching this year, you won’t pitch again next year. I have to be wise and make sure I do the right thing.”

He added that he’s “trying to do my best.”

The 42-year-old was 1-1 with a 2.16 ERA and five saves before the injury. He hasn’t pitched since May 3 when he hurt his right knee while running after fly balls in batting practice in Kansas City, Mo. Last month, he said he’d like to return to the AL East-leading Yankees this season but General Manager Brian Cashman said at the time Rivera was “totally out” for 2012.

On Friday, the third race was named for him and he went to the winner’s circle to address the crowd and present the trophy to the winner. He said he doesn’t bet.

In an interview in the winner’s circle with Richard Migliore, a former jockey who now works for the New York Racing Association, Rivera said his rehabilitation is going well.

“I’d rather be where the team is but unfortunately I can’t,” he said.

BLUE JAYS

Carpenter recalled; Lawrie on DL

TORONTO - The Toronto Blue Jays recalled pitcher David Carpenter from Class AAA Las Vegas on Friday.

The move came after Toronto placed third baseman Brett Lawrie on the disabled list with a strained oblique.

Carpenter was 0-2 with a 6.07 ERA in 30 relief appearances with the Houston Astros before being acquired July 20. Carpenter appeared in eight games for Las Vegas, going 0-1 with a 1.93 ERA and 14 strikeouts in 9 1/3 innings.

Toronto also claimed right-hander Juan Abreu off waivers from Houston and will option him to Las Vegas. The 27-year-old has appeared in 38 games for Class AAA Oklahoma City, going 2-3 with a 7.09 ERA. To make room on the 40-man roster, right-hander Scott Richmondwas designated for assignment. Toronto has 10 days to trade him, release him or send him outright to the minors.

WHITE SOX

Konerko goes on 7-day DL

CHICAGO - The Chicago White Sox placed first baseman Paul Konerko on the seven-day concussion disabled list.

The 36-year-old Konerko has been feeling concussion symptoms since Tuesday when he was elbowed in the head by Kansas City’s Jarrod Dyson during a close play at first.

Konerko finished the game but didn’t play Wednesday. The White Sox were off Thursday and made the move to place him on the disabled list Friday before Chicago played Oakland.

Konerko, who is hitting .316 with 18 home runs and 54 RBI, will be eligible to return Aug. 17.

RED SOX

Podsednik returns to Boston

CLEVELAND - The Boston Red Sox have signed veteran outfielder Scott Podsednik just over a week after trading him to Arizona.

Podsednik batted .387 with 1 home run and 7 RBI in 19 games for the Red Sox before being dealt to the Diamondbacks on July 31. He was released by Arizona after declining an assignment to Class AAA Reno.

Podsednik, who was batting ninth and playing left field Friday night at Cleveland, and righthander Matt Albers were traded to Arizona for left-hander Craig Breslow, who is pitching in Boston’s bullpen.

To make room on the roster, outfielder Ryan Kalish was optioned to Class AAA Pawtucket. He batted .203 in 25 games.

ODDS & ENDS

Cincinnati Manager Dusty Baker is giving slumping outfielder Jay Bruce a couple days off. Bruce hit .213 in July and is batting .200 in August. He’s hitless in his last 12 at-bats with seven strikeouts. Baker said Friday the slump is “like being in quicksand” and called the time off a “last resort.” ... Reliever Mark Lowe has been activated from the disabled list by the Texas Rangers. Texas made the move before Friday night’s series opener against Detroit. Infielder Alberto Gonzalez was designated for assignment. Lowe had been out since June 26 because of a strained muscle in his right side. The right-hander had a 2.30 ERA over 31 1/3 innings in 26 relief appearances before going on the 15-day DL.