AL Wire Notes | Giambi tests positive for amphetamines

New York Yankee Jason Giambi failed a Major League Baseball-administered amphetamines test within the last year, which has subjected him to additional drug testing, sources told the New York Daily News. Giambi tacitly admitted last week that he has used steroids, but he failed to mention that he has been caught using other drugs.

Because Major League Baseball's amphetamines policy keeps a first positive test secret, however, it is unlikely Giambi will be asked about it when he meets with representatives from commissioner Bud Selig's office, possibly as soon as Thursday on the Yankees' day off.

Giambi declined comment before Tuesday night's loss to Boston, saying, "I can't really talk about anything."

Giambi's agent, Arn Tellem, said in an e-mail: "For the record, I'm not commenting."

But Giambi himself hinted at the failed test — which was later confirmed by the Daily News — in his eye-opening interview with USA Today last week, when he said that he is "probably tested more than anyone else."

Under MLB policy, there are two reasons a player would be required to submit to additional testing: The first is a failed steroid test, but failed steroid tests are made public. The second is a failed amphetamines test, which would not be made public.

An amphetamine is technically a specific kind of stimulant, but the term is used in anti-doping circles as a catch-all for any banned stimulants, including drugs that are illegal without a prescription, as well as some over-the-counter medications that are considered performance-enhancers.

The failed test is the latest in a series of embarrassing revelations for Giambi, who has had trouble keeping himself out of the news since he became a Yankee in 2001.

Boston: RHP Josh Beckett played catch without a Band-Aid and will throw a five-inning simulated game today.

Detroit: RHP Jeremy Bonderman, the Pasco High product, was put on the DL with a blister on his right middle finger, is still on track to start Thursday. ... The Tigers optioned LHP Andrew Miller to Class AA Erie after Tuesday night's 6-3 loss to Los Angeles.

Kansas City: Royals manager Buddy Bell showed up for his pregame news conference walking without crutches a day after having arthroscopic knee surgery.

Minnesota: 2B Luis Castillo hasn't committed an error since May 29, 2006, a span of 131 games and a major-league record for the position. Chicago Cub Ryne Sandberg held the previous mark with 123 straight errorless games.

Oakland: The Athletics made room for Colby Lewis by placing Justin Duchscherer on the 15-day DL with a right hip strain.

Toronto: Manager John Gibbons had a two-word explanation for dropping DH Frank Thomas to the sixth spot. "Just Cabrera," Gibbons said, referring to Orioles starter Daniel Cabrera.

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