The Associated Press

NEW YORK - The Yankees told Alfonso Soriano not to stand at the plate and admire his homers.

The young star hit a tying two-run homer in the sixth inning of Thursday's game against Cleveland and watched its flight before starting his trot.

Manager Joe Torre spoke to Soriano in the dugout, telling him opposing pitchers could retaliate by throwing at Yankees' hitters.

"It's always a possibility - or he may pay the price," Torre said. "That was part of the conversation."

But Torre didn't think Soriano intended disrespect.

"I don't think it's done purposely to show up the other team," Torre said.

TRADE

Arizona solved one of its roster problems by sending shortstop Tony Womack to Colorado for a minor-league pitcher.

Womack spent 4 1/2 seasons with Arizona, mostly as the team's leadoff hitter, but became expendable because of the strong showing of young infielders Matt Kata and Alex Cintron, along with the return of Craig Counsell.

Womack, 33, is in the final year of his contract, earning $6 million, half of it deferred. He batted .237 with 15 RBI and eight stolen bases in 61 games for the Diamondbacks this season, but has been on the 15-day disabled list since spraining his right knee June 28. He was expected to be activated Friday.

DIAMONDBACKS

Randy Johnson threw a bullpen session and appears ready to start against last-place San Diego Sunday, his first action since having knee surgery 2 1/2 months ago.

"I threw 10 minutes of great bullpen," Johnson joked. "I got everybody out."

MARLINS

All-Star third baseman Mike Lowell missed Friday's game against the Cubs to have an MRI and other tests on his sore left groin.

TWINS

Right fielder Shannon Stewart was out of Friday's lineup because of a bruised heel suffered while running out a grounder Thursday in his debut with Minnesota after being traded by Toronto.

INDIANS

Shane Spencer's career with Cleveland came to a quick end after a half season when he was dealt with right-hander Ricardo Rodriguez to the Texas Rangers for outfielder Ryan Ludwick Friday.

Ludwick, 25, was recalled from the minors July 3 and has hit .154 (4-for-26) in eight games. He hit .303 this season for Triple-A Oklahoma with 17 homers and 63 RBI in 81 games.

EXPOS

Northern Virginia's bid for the team was hurt when Arlington County, Va., leaders said they would not support building a ballpark in their area. Baseball officials, considering a bid from Northern Virginia along with proposals from Portland, Ore., and Washington, D.C., originally hoped to have a decision by the All-Star break but now say their goal is the end of September.