The Associated Press

NEW YORK - Ailing Yankees first baseman Jason Giambi was diagnosed with an intestinal parasite and out of the starting lineup Tuesday night when New York played Boston.

The Yankees didn't specify the parasite Giambi had, and he said he couldn't remember the name the doctor told him.

"I don't have a Ph.D. and I'm not world-renowned," Giambi said.

The former AL MVP said he'd been feeling exhausted for about three weeks. He began taking a new set of antibiotics Tuesday and said a doctor told him he should feel better within a couple of days.

"There should be no reason for being this exhausted. I'm 33, not 50," Giambi said. "It kind of makes you understand why you're getting jammed by guys throwing 88 miles an hour."

Giambi has one hit in his last 14 at-bats and is in a 13-for-65 rut. He hasn't homered since hitting his 11th of the season on June 20, and his average has dropped from .271 on June 7 to .237.

• RHP Kevin Brown, recovering from a back spasm that forced him out of a start June 9, threw 62 pitches in his third bullpen session. His return was delayed after an unsatisfactory bullpen outing Sunday.

ROCKIES: Colorado shook up its rotation Tuesday, designating right-hander Kevin Jarvis for assignment and shifting Jeff Fassero to the bullpen.

The moves are designed to clear space for the return of right-hander Denny Stark. He's expected to be called up Thursday from Triple-A Colorado Springs to take Fassero's spot in the rotation.

The Rockies also called up catcher J.D. Closser on Tuesday as insurance while Charles Johnson nurses a bruised hand.

ASTROS: Andy Pettitte was activated from the disabled list Tuesday and started for Houston against the Chicago Cubs.

Pettitte missed 28 games after going on the DL for the second time this season May 27 with a strained left forearm. Earlier in the season, he missed 19 games with a sore left elbow.

In his first season with the Astros, Pettitte took a 4-1 record into Tuesday night's game.

To make room on their roster, the Astros sent infielder Eric Bruntlett to Triple-A New Orleans. Bruntlett batted .231 in 10 games with one homer and two RBIs.

INDIANS: Cleveland purchased the contract of reliever Bob Howry on Tuesday from Triple-A Buffalo and optioned left-hander Cliff Bartosh back to the minor leagues.

Cleveland also brought up outfielder Mark Little from the Bisons and designated reliever Jack Cressend for assignment.

The Indians' bullpen has been inconsistent all year, and the club is hoping Howry can help. The 30-year-old went 1-1 with a 5.19 ERA in 18 outings at Buffalo. To make room for Howry, the Indians transferred infielder Aaron Boone from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list.

ORIOLES: Baltimore put right fielder Jay Gibbons on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with a strained left hip flexor.

It's the second trip to the DL for Gibbons, who has had back pain for much of the season.

To take Gibbons' place, the Orioles will purchase the contract of outfielder Chad Mottola from Triple-A Ottawa on Wednesday.

WHITE SOX: Chicago designated left-handed reliever Vic Darensbourg for assignment on Tuesday, clearing room on the roster for recent acquisitions Freddy Garcia and Ben Davis.