Wells Offers Apology

Boston Red Sox left-hander David Wells apologized Wednesday for comments he made this week criticizing Commissioner Bud Selig for his handling of baseball’s steroid problems.

“I understand that I was wrong in my statements about these issues and for that I apologize,” Wells said in a statement issued by the players’ association after he met with baseball officials.

“Now that I have had this opportunity to sit down and discuss the issues, I better understand the procedures that go with steroid testing.”

Wells lashed out at Selig after losing his appeal of a six-game suspension Monday, saying the commissioner “isn’t doing a thing” about steroids.

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Third baseman Sean Burroughs rejoined the San Diego Padres for the stretch drive, 5 1/2 weeks after being demoted to triple-A Portland to regain his hitting stroke. Burroughs, whose average had dropped to .255 when he was sent down July 23, will be used as a pinch-hitter and to give third baseman Joe Randa an occasional rest.

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Chicago Cub right-hander Kerry Wood underwent arthroscopic surgery to clean out his right shoulder, putting an end to his season. Wood is expected to begin a four-month rehabilitation program next week.

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A day after inserting earplugs to drown out fans, Baltimore first baseman Rafael Palmeiro had second thoughts.

“Maybe it wasn’t the right thing to do. I’ve never been in a situation where I’m getting booed so badly and I just really don’t know how to handle it,” Palmeiro said.

Palmeiro inserted earplugs after he was loudly booed during his first at-bat in the Orioles’ loss at Toronto on Tuesday night.

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Boston recalled infielder Kevin Youkilis from triple-A Pawtucket and optioned pitcher Manny Delcarmen to Pawtucket.