Seeking a possible fifth starter, the San Diego Padres signed veteran right-hander Brett Tomko on Monday.

Tomko went 2-11 with a 5.80 ERA in 33 games, including 15 starts, for the Dodgers. The club designated him for assignment on Aug. 24 to make room in the rotation for David Wells.

The Padres don't need a fifth starter until Sept. 15 against San Francisco. Tomko will be considered for the assignment, but manager Bud Black said he'll use Tomko primarily in relief.

San Diego also recalled right-hander Clay Hensley from Triple-A Portland. Hensley is with a 6.43 ERA in 12 games, including nine starts, with San Diego this season.

With San Diego wrapping up its season series with Arizona this week, Jake Peavy will pitch tonight on three days' rest for the second time in his five-year career. The first time came on Sept. 26, 2004, when he allowed one run in six innings to beat the Diamondbacks.

Clemens to get cortisone shot: Roger Clemens will have a cortisone shot today on his ailing right elbow and is confident he will be able to pitch for the New York Yankees again this season.

Clemens' start was cut short Monday against Seattle, and he had a MRI exam after the game. Clemens said he thought the elbow problem stemmed from a blister on his foot that caused him to alter his mechanics.

Zambrano apologizes: Carlos Zambrano apologized to Chicago Cubs fans, one day after he criticized them for booing him following another poor performance.

The Cubs ace, who recently signed a $91.5 million contract and is winless since July 29, said his apology came from his heart. He said he was sorry during a news briefing after he'd met earlier with team president John McDonough and general manager Jim Hendry.

"I'm a grown man. I know when I make a mistake. I know what I'm doing. I know when I have to come to whoever I offended. I don't think somebody has to tell me what to do," Zambrano said.

No-hit kid will be part of Red Sox bullpen: Clay Buchholz's next appearance will have more to do with Jonathan Papelbon than Johnny Vander Meer.

The Red Sox rookie, who threw a no-hitter in just his second major league start, will pitch out of the bullpen for the near future, manager Terry Francona said. So instead of trying to match Vander Meer's record with back-to-back no-hitters, he'll likely be setting up save opportunities for Papelbon.

Francona left open the possibility that Buchholz will get another start this season. No pitcher other than Vander Meer has thrown no-hitters in consecutive appearances.

Brewers acquire King: Hoping to stabilize their struggling bullpen, the Milwaukee Brewers acquired left-hander Ray King from the Washington Nationals in exchange for a player to be named. King was 1-1 with a 4.54 ERA in 55 appearances for the Nationals this season. The 33-year-old played for the Brewers from 2000 to 2002, and is expected to join the team today.

Milwaukee also purchased the contract of catcher Mike Rivera from Triple-A Nashville, and transferred infielder Tony Graffanino to the 60-day disabled list.

Giants recall three: The San Francisco Giants recalled infielder Eugenio Velez, catcher Eliezer Alfonzo and left-handed pitcher Erick Threets from Triple-A Fresno.

The Giants also purchased the contract of right-handed pitcher Dan Giese from Fresno and placed him on the 40-man roster.