Rafael Palmeiro has lost his job as the Baltimore Orioles' regular first baseman, the result of a prolonged slump that began after he returned from a 10-day suspension for testing positive for steroids.

Mired in a 2-for-22 skid in which he has gone hitless in his last 14 at-bats, the left-handed hitting Palmeiro did not start yesterday against Oakland right-hander Kirk Saarloos.

Asked if he sees Palmeiro as the team's everyday first baseman for the rest of the season, Orioles interim manager Sam Perlozzo responded, "No, I don't, but if he would swing the bat he would be. I don't have a problem with playing everyone that can help us on a regular basis."

Palmeiro was hitting .280 with 18 homers and 59 runs batted in at the time of his suspension. Since his return, he has no homers and just one RBI in six games. His batting average has also dropped 12 points to .268.

"I'm slumping, man, I'm slumping. I would do the same, I'm sure," Palmeiro said after watching yesterday's 10-5 loss from the dugout. "That's fine. I'll get my chances and I'll get out of it. When I get out of it, he'll play me more."

Boston: RHP Chad Harville was claimed by the Red Sox off waivers from the Houston Astros. ... CF Johnny Damon homered to lead off the bottom of the first — his 16th career regular-season leadoff homer. He also had one to start Game 4 of the 2004 World Series.

Chicago: LF Scott Podsednik was activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Chicago White Sox. Podsednik, who leads the major leagues with 54 stolen bases, had been on the disabled list since Aug. 15 because of a strained muscle in his left leg. He went 2 for 9 with two doubles in two games with Class AAA Charlotte during a rehabilitation assignment. Chicago is 62-34 this season with Podsednik in the starting lineup, 17-15 without him. Chicago also recalled RHP Jeff Bajenaru from Charlotte, and optioned RHP Jon Adkins and OF Brian Anderson to the minor-league team.

Cleveland: Indians minor-leaguer Kyle Denney, who was struck in the head with a line drive while pitching for AAA Buffalo in June, was recalled by Cleveland and placed on the 60-day disabled list. ... Relievers Arthur Rhodes and Matt Miller will both make rehab appearances for AA Akron today and could be recalled later this week. Rhodes has been on the 15-day disabled list since Aug. 13 with an inflamed right knee. The left-hander is scheduled to pitch one inning for the Aeros. Miller, who went on the DL with a strained elbow on July 16, will pitch two innings.

Kansas City: 1B Mike Sweeney missed the Royals' game against Minnesota with a sore lower back. "I don't know how serious it is," Royals manager Buddy Bell said. "Hopefully, it is not the kind that will keep him out two or three weeks. We have to be careful."

Oakland: The Athletics recalled infielder-outfielder Freddie Bynum from AAA Sacramento and optioned LH reliever Ron Flores to the Pacific Coast League club.

Tampa Bay: RHP Seth McClung pitched one inning before a 1-hour, 43-minute rain delay and allowed solo homers to Johnny Damon and David Ortiz. He was attempting to become the first Devil Rays pitcher ever to have five wins in a month. Tim Corcoran started the second inning.

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