By The Associated Press

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. If he’s not available, Tanyon Sturtze will probably make his first start for New York since being acquired from Los Angeles on May 15.

“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 Yankees traded for Brown (7-1) in the offseason to fill one of the spots in the rotation vacated by Andy Pettitte, Roger Clemens and David Wells.

Brown started strong, going 4-0 in March and April. But he’s struggled some since, with his ERA steadily climbing from 2.89 on May 11 to 4.13.

He left the team for two days for an unspecified reason during the last week of May and returned to beat Tampa Bay for the fourth time this season. But in his next two starts, Brown gave up 12 hits and 10 runs – eight earned – in eight innings.

New York has the best record in the majors, but the health and depth of its rotation remains the team’s biggest concern.

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.

Sturtze is 1-0 for New York with a 4.15 ERA in five relief appearances spanning 13 innings.

Cedeno, Reed suspended for run-ins with umpires

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.

The suspensions had been set to start Friday night. Cedeno was not in the starting lineup as the Cardinals played at Texas, and Reed was available as the Rockies visited Tampa Bay.

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.

Asked if he thought it was intentional, Reed said, “Yes. … He was pretty profane. His obscenities were pretty personal.”

Cedeno thought he’d held up his swing, and Reed called it a ball. But Cubs pitcher Matt Clement appealed to third-base umpire Alfonso Marquez, who ruled it a strike.

Reed upheld Marquez’s call, and Cedeno banged his bat on home plate.

Umpire Bruce Dreckman tossed Steve Reed during a game between the Rockies and San Francisco.

A.J. Pierzynski leaned his right elbow into Reed’s pitch with the bases loaded, giving the Giants a 10-2 lead. Reed argued that Pierzynski didn’t try to get out of the way.

Manager Clint Hurdle ran out to argue and had to shove hard to restrain Reed, who bumped Dreckman and was ejected.

Reed stayed on the field, and Colorado teammates helped Hurdle keep the pitcher separated from Dreckman. Reed threw his glove in Dreckman’s direction when he eventually walked toward the dugout.

With Victor Martinez injured, Indians bring up Sandy Martinez

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.

Victor Martinez, who has been Cleveland’s best player this season, injured his right foot while running out a double in the ninth inning of Thursday night’s loss to Florida.

Martinez underwent an MRI exam Friday morning. He will likely miss at least a few games.

Sandy Martinez was acquired from Pittsburgh on April 8. In Buffalo, he batted .245 with three homers and 18 RBIs. He has also played for Toronto, Florida, Montreal and the Chicago Cubs.

The 33-year-old will be Tim Laker’s backup while Victor Martinez sits out.

Pote appeared in two games with the Indians, who acquired him from Oakland on May 27.