BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJORS : Molitor Returns to Milwaukee

Paul Molitor arrived for work early Friday, gazed at familiar surroundings and chatted with some old friends, including his former boss, Milwaukee Brewer President Bud Selig.

Then it was back to the visitor’s clubhouse at Milwaukee County Stadium, where he had been only one time in his life.

Molitor was back in Milwaukee for the first time with the Toronto Blue Jays, six months after his teary-eyed departure when a three-year, $13.5-million contract lured him away from the Brewers after 15 seasons.

In his first at-bat Friday night, Molitor received a one-minute standing ovation, stopping to tip his helmet before facing the first pitch. He then lined a run-scoring single to center and the crowd was on its feet again.

“I miss a lot of things about Milwaukee and playing for the Brewers, but I do feel that I’ve done the right thing considering all the circumstances,” said Molitor, who has helped the Blue Jays stay near the top of the AL East.

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A bankruptcy court judge has ordered the Baltimore Orioles to be auctioned for sale on Aug. 2.

Eli Jacobs, who owns 87% of the Orioles, filed for personal bankruptcy in April, reportedly owing more than $250 million.

Jacobs paid $70 million for the club in 1990. The auction price is expected to be about $140 million.

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The Orioles put Brady Anderson, bedridden with chickenpox, on the 15-day disabled list and called up outfielder Jeffrey Hammonds from Triple-A Rochester. . . . The New York Yankees activated pitcher Jim Abbott off the disabled list and put right-hander Mike Witt on the 15-day disabled list for the second time this season. Abbott started Friday against the Orioles and pitched six innings, getting no decision.