NEW YORK – Tests on Kevin Brown’s troublesome back showed no major damage, and he might not even miss a start for the New York Yankees.

Brown was treated for a strained lower back Friday and is day to day after getting hurt earlier in the week.

He had an MRI, CT scan and X-rays on Thursday. The tests did not reveal a herniated disk, the team said. Brown had surgery to repair a disc in his back in 2002.

“The good news is there is no structural damage,” manager Joe Torre said. “We’ll play it by ear. He can pitch any time he feels ready.”

Torre left open the possibility that Brown could make his next scheduled start Tuesday in Arizona – but said it’s up to Brown.

“I don’t think we’re under any stress to make a decision because we have the off day Monday,” Torre said.

Brown was receiving treatment on his back and was unavailable for comment before the Yankees played the San Diego Padres on Friday night.

The right-hander was forced to leave Wednesday night’s start against Colorado after two ineffective innings because of stiffness in his lower back. He said he felt as if a “steel rod” was in his back.

Torre said Brown has been having problems with his back since the start of the season and that it was important to “get it straightened out for Kevin’s psyche.”

The 39-year-old Brown has been on the disabled list six times in the previous five years. He was beset by back problems before the Yankees got the six-time All-Star in a trade with Los Angeles.

Royals ready to deal Beltran

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Let the bidding begin for Carlos Beltran.

Kansas City general manager Allard Baird, on the heels of a demoralizing doubleheader loss to Montreal, said Friday that he is ready to begin dismantling his team and build for 2005.

“This is a change,” Baird told reporters.

Specifically, this means he is ready to take offers for Beltran, his switch-hitting center fielder who is one of just six players with at least three seasons of 100 runs, 100 RBIs and 30 stolen bases.

Beltran, 26, will be eligible for free agency after this year and the Royals are determined to get as much for him as they can.

Baird said he has heard from clubs “on the East Coast and the West Coast” who might be interested in the 26-year-old Beltran, but refused to be specific.

“I think it’s very unfair to the ballclubs I’m talking to on any player,” he said. “If they want to share it, that’s fine.”

Teams known to have expressed interest include Anaheim, Boston and the Yankees.

Cedeno, Reed suspended

NEW YORK – St. Louis outfielder Roger Cedeno was suspended for four games and Colorado reliever Steve Reed was suspended for three games Friday for their animated run-ins with umpires.

Both players appealed, meaning their penalties will not take effect until hearings are held. Cedeno and Reed also were fined undisclosed amounts by Major League Baseball.

Cedeno was suspended after spraying an umpire with spit Tuesday. Reed was penalized after throwing glove in an umpire’s direction Sunday.

Cedeno was ejected after breaking his bat on home plate after a check-swing strike against the Chicago Cubs. Plate umpire Rick Reed said Cedeno then spit on him.

Indians bring up Triple-A catcher

CLEVELAND – As they awaited test results on catcher Victor Martinez’s right foot, the Cleveland Indians purchased the contract of catcher Sandy Martinez from Triple-A Buffalo.

The club also designated right-handed pitcher Lou Pote for assignment.

Angels place RHP Sele on DL

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Anaheim Angels right-hander Aaron Sele was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday because of fatigue in his right shoulder, the same one he had surgery on two years ago.

The Angels recalled infielder-outfielder Robb Quinlan from Triple-A Salt Lake to replace Sele on the roster.

Sele left after pitching six innings in Thursday night’s 5-4 victory over Milwaukee.