Cordero’s Absence May Signal End

Wilfredo Cordero stayed away from Fenway Park on Saturday, another sign that the left fielder accused of domestic abuse may have played his last game for the Boston Red Sox.

Manager Jimy Williams said the player, who sat out his third consecutive game, was excused from batting practice. He refused further comment on the situation.

Cordero left the park before Friday’s game against Detroit. Shortly before it started, General Manager Dan Duquette said he was considering trading or releasing Cordero.

Duquette said he had other options that would require the cooperation of Cordero, his agent and the players’ association and hopes the issue can be resolved “in a couple of days.�

Cordero was scheduled to bat third Thursday night against the Tigers but was pulled from the lineup minutes before the game when, the Red Sox said, they learned of alleged incidents from 1990 through 1993.

A story in Friday’s Boston Globe cited a court document, filed by Cordero’s former wife in a divorce proceeding, in which she alleged he hit her on numerous occasions, including when she was pregnant. Cordero denied the allegations, which never went to court.

The players’ association has not commented on the situation.

*

Baltimore outfielder Geronimo Berroa, obtained from Oakland, did not play Saturday but is expected to be in today’s starting lineup against Toronto.

Berroa’s late arrival means the Orioles are able to delay making a roster move. To make room for Berroa, it’s likely that one of three outfielders will go: Pete Incaviglia, Tony Tarasco or rookie Dave Dellucci.