ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Baseball commissioner Bud Selig has changed his thinking on the merits of expanding the playoffs.

“We had a serious discussion this past winter. I went into it thinking I want to add two more teams. But the more I looked at it, the more we talked about it, it was so great last October, this time I’m not sure,” Selig said.

“Everybody is kind of convinced that we’ll just let it sit and leave it as it is. Last October was so good, I’m not quite certain that we want to change it.”

Top pick Bush signs with Padres

SAN DIEGO – Shortstop Matt Bush, the first player taken in the baseball draft, signed a deal with the San Diego Padres on Wednesday that includes a $3.15 million signing bonus.

Bush, who starred at San Diego’s Mission Bay High, was the first high school shortstop taken with the top pick since Settle got Alex Rodriguez in 1993.

Sosa headed for rehab assignment

CHICAGO – Sammy Sosa will go on his first injury rehabilitation assignment since 1992 when his sore back feels better.

The Chicago Cubs slugger has been on the disabled list since May 16 with a sprained ligament in his lower back brought on by two violent sneezes. He took batting practice for the first time Tuesday, and said Wednesday he felt a little sore.

Sosa wouldn’t put a timetable on his return, but said it would include a minor league trip.

Pujols remains out of lineup

CHICAGO – Albert Pujols ran for about 10 minutes and took part in a ground-ball drill Wednesday, his first time on the field since injuring his left hamstring last weekend.

Pujols also stood in against a pitcher in the bullpen but didn’t take any swings.

While last year’s NL batting champ is listed as day to day, it seems doubtful he’ll play in Chicago. A more likely return would be this weekend, when the Cardinals go to Texas for an interleague series and Pujols could be the designated hitter.

Royals sign first-round pick

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Billy Butler and the Kansas City Royals quickly reached a deal.

Taken by Kansas City this week with the 14th overall pick in the amateur draft, the high school third baseman agreed to a contract Thursday that includes a $1.4 million signing bonus.

– The Associated Press