Giambi Seeks Return This Season

Jason Giambi still hopes to play for the New York Yankees this season.

Slowed by a respiratory infection and strained left groin, the slugger increased his workout program Thursday. He has been at the team’s spring training complex in Tampa, Fla., the last two weeks working to get into shape after being diagnosed with a benign tumor last month.

“In the best-case scenario, our goal has been to get back before the end of the season and make a difference in the playoffs,” Giambi said. “We’ll keep on working and go from there.”

Yankee Manager Joe Torre isn’t counting on Giambi’s returning his season. With just over five weeks left in the regular season, time could become the determining factor.

“It’s getting more and more remote in my mind,” Torre said this week.

There is no timetable for when Giambi would resume batting practice.

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Houston Astro reliever Dan Miceli was put on the 15-day disabled list because of pink eye.

The move was retroactive to Aug. 22, and the Astros purchased the contract of right-hander Russ Springer from triple-A New Orleans.

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Stephen Drew, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ top draft pick, enrolled in classes at Florida State on Thursday, a move similar to the one made by older brother J.D. Drew.

Arizona selected the shortstop with the No. 15 pick in June’s amateur draft. Drew’s first class is Tuesday, so he still could discuss a contract with the team until the time he attends that class.