Giambi meets with MLB

Jason Giambi met with lawyers from the commissioner's office Wednesday to discuss recent comments that some interpreted as an admission of steroids use.

Allegations that he flunked an amphetamines test, however, were not discussed.

"The commissioner requested that Jason come in in response to the USA Today piece. Jason was interviewed this morning," union general counsel Michael Weiner said.

The Daily News on Wednesday reported Giambi failed an amphetamines test within the last year.

However, a person familiar with what went on at the meeting, said it only dealt with the remarks quoted in USA Today. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because those attending agreed not to make details public.

The meeting, at baseball's main office, lasted less than an hour.

The New York Yankees' designated hitter was quoted last Friday as saying:

"I was wrong for doing that stuff. What we should have done a long time ago was stand up players, ownership, everybody and said: 'We made a mistake.' We should have apologized back then and made sure we had a rule in place and gone forward. ... Steroids and all of that was a part of history. But it was a topic that everybody wanted to avoid. Nobody wanted to talk about it."

Howard tunes up for return to Phillies: Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard hit a game-winning home run and went 2 for 3 with four RBIs in a rehab start at Class A Lakewood.

The game, a 7-4 win over the Hagerstown Suns, was Howard's first since May 9. The National League's 2006 Most Valuable Player is preparing to come off the disabled list for a strained left quadriceps.

The left-handed hitter, who is scheduled to play first base for Lakewood in a final tuneup today, plans to rejoin the Phillies on Friday in Atlanta.

Percival to attempt comeback: Former major league closer Troy Percival, who last pitched in the big leagues in 2005, will attempt a comeback.

Percival, the Los Angeles Angels' special assignment pitching instructor, asked the team to release him from his minor league coaching contract to try to pitch again in the majors.

Dukes out of lineup after newspaper report he threatened wife: Tampa Bay rookie Elijah Dukes was held out of the lineup against Seattle following a published report that his estranged wife sought a restraining order after being threatened by the 22-year-old outfielder.

The St. Petersburg Times reported NiShea Gilbert filed for court protection after receiving a threatening message on her cell phone on May 2, as well as a text message that included a picture of a handgun.

Oakland puts Bradley on DL: The Oakland Athletics placed outfielder Milton Bradley on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring. The move is retroactive to May 15.

Iwamura could return next week: Tampa Bay Devil Rays third baseman Akinori Iwamura could return from a right oblique strain on Monday.

Pavano probably headed for surgery: Carl Pavano probably is headed for reconstructive elbow surgery, potentially ending his unproductive stint with the New York Yankees.

After being examined by four doctors over the past few weeks, Pavano met with Yankees general manager Brian Cashman to go over all the medical documents.

"All four doctors conclude that he has a damaged ligament and recommend Tommy John surgery," Cashman said. "Carl is thinking about, obviously, those recommendations and we'll wait for his decision."

The right-hander is expected to opt for surgery, which would sideline him for most if not all of the time remaining on his $39.95 million, four-year contract. Cashman expects to hear Pavano's decision soon.

Mateo to be activated at Triple-A on Friday: Seattle Mariners pitcher Julio Mateo, who was arrested and charged with assault earlier this month after a dispute with his wife, will be activated from the Triple-A inactive list Friday.

Mateo will report to Triple-A Tacoma today and will be available to pitch Friday. He pitched simulated games Monday and Wednesday at the Mariners' spring training complex in Arizona.