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Stolen base king wants another opportunity

OAKLAND, Calif. - Rickey Henderson is not waiting by his phone for a call offering another shot in the majors. But the 45-year-old outfielder still believes he deserves another chance. Henderson currently plays for Newark of the independent Atlantic League.

"I'm out there having fun playing baseball," Henderson said Saturday. "If a team needs help, then they can call me. I'm just enjoying the game. I think I can still go out there and perform. I never want to think when I leave the game that I could have played some more. That's why I'm down there in Newark. I have to get it out of my system."

Henderson, baseball's all-time leader with 1,406 stolen bases and 2,295 runs, started last season with the Bears before signing with the Dodgers. This season, he didn't get an invitation to spring training.

Henderson, hitting .284 with nine homers, 28 RBIs, 52 runs with 27 stolen bases in 68 games, said his body feels good and he enjoys teaching young players. He said he is not sure if he would spend another year in an independent league if he didn't get a spring training invitation next year.

SEATTLE - Alex Rodriguez, who has a viral infection, dropped his appeal of a four-game suspension and began serving it Saturday. The Yankees third baseman will be eligible to return Thursday.

Rodriguez, who also sat out Friday, was one of five players suspended after a fight between the Yankees and Red Sox on July 24.

To add infield depth, the Yankees recalled Andy Phillips from Triple-A Columbus and optioned right-hander Bret Prinz. New York had been carrying 12 pitchers.

CUBS: Third baseman Aramis Ramirez sat to rest his sore right groin. He left Thursday after four innings and sat out Friday. He is day to day.

DODGERS: Hideo Nomo will begin a rehab assignment Monday at Triple-A Las Vegas. Los Angeles wants Nomo, out since July 1 with rotator cuff inflammation, to pitch three innings Monday and five Saturday. Also, manager Jim Tracy said Brad Penny, who hasn't pitched since injuring his right biceps Aug. 8, likely will go on the disabled list. Kaz Ishii will continue to take his spot in the rotation.

MARINERS: Joel Pineiro, a 16-game winner last season, might not pitch again this season. He made his last start July 25 before being put on the 15-day DL with a strained flexor in his right elbow. He is rehabilitating the elbow but not throwing. Manager Bob Melvin said he will pitch only if "100 percent."

ORIOLES: Omar Daal, who hasn't pitched this season, continues to rehab his surgically repaired left shoulder at the spring training facility in Fort Lauderdale. But he hasn't been cleared to throw, and Baltimore doesn't expect him to pitch before his contract expires at season's end.

PIRATES: First baseman Randall Simon was released. In 61 games, he hit .194 with three home runs and 14 RBIs. First baseman Daryle Ward, out since June 26 with a sprained thumb ligament, was activated from the 15-day DL. Left-hander Dave Williams was placed on the 15-day DL with a strained rib cage, and right-hander Mark Corey was recalled from Triple-A Nashville.

PADRES: Catcher Ramon Hernandez flew home after his wife went into labor. His status is unknown.

REDS: Starting pitcher Paul Wilson was placed on the 15-day DL with lower back soreness. He leads the Reds with nine wins but has allowed 14 runs in his past two starts. Right-hander Joe Valentine was recalled from Triple-A Louisville, and Cincinnati announced Luke Hudson will be recalled from Louisville to start today.

RED SOX: The July 27 rainout at Baltimore was rescheduled for Oct. 2 as part of a doubleheader.