Beck Finally Rejoins Padres

Reliever Rod Beck rejoined the San Diego Padres on Friday in Philadelphia, more than two months after leaving the team to deal with an unspecified personal problem.

Beck left the team during spring training. He started the season on the restricted list and has recently been pitching at extended spring training in Peoria, Ariz.

Speaking at a news conference before Friday night’s game against the Phillies, Beck did not reveal details of why he left the team. He expressed regret for leaving so abruptly, but he said there was no other option. He explained the situation to his teammates before addressing the media.

The 35-year-old right-hander said there was nothing physically wrong with him when he left the club in March. To make room for Beck, the Padres sent left-handed reliever Eddie Oropesa to triple-A Portland.

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The Boston Red Sox signed first baseman-designated hitter David Ortiz to a $12.5-million, two-year contract extension that includes a club option for a third season. The Red Sox also put reliever Scott Williamson, who has right elbow inflammation, on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Wednesday.

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Former major league catcher Ben Petrick announced his retirement and said he had Parkinson’s disease. Petrick, 27, played for Colorado and Detroit from 1999 to 2003 and began this season in the Tigers’ system. He was with San Diego’s triple-A team in Portland when he made the announcement. Petrick said he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s after the 1999 season. He said he plans to go to college and coach at the high school or college level.... The Milwaukee Brewers put third baseman Wes Helms on the 15-day disabled list after he strained his right knee Wednesday night when he slipped on a wet ramp leading from the clubhouse to the dugout at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan.