A-rod 0-for-2 in his return

Alex Rodriguez went hitless in two at-bats for the host Charleston (S.C.) RiverDogs in his first game since left hip surgery in January.

Rodriguez played three innings at third base Tuesday night for the Yankees’ Single-A affiliate and came out after he took a called strike three to end the third inning. He also grounded into a double play in the first.

For Rodriguez, the individual outcome wasn’t important after waiting nine months to play.

“I’m just happy to be back playing,” he said. “I feel like a kid again.”

Rodriguez, 38, was tested quickly in the field when Rome’s Kyle Wren opened the game with a bunt single to third. Rodriguez charged strongly and fielded it with his bare hand, but could not throw to first on time.

Rodriguez expects to play again tonight.

Tigers: Major League Baseball suspended right-hander Rick Porcello for six games for hitting Tampa Bay’s Ben Zobrist with a pitch in Sunday’s game.

■ Tigers manager Jim Leyland said pitcher Anibal Sanchez will come off the disabled list Saturday and start at Cleveland. Sanchez (6-5, 2.76 ERA) has been out since June 16 with a strained right shoulder.

Cubs: Chicago dealt starting pitcher Scott Feldman (7-6, 3.46 ERA) to the Orioles and traded former All-Star Carlos Marmol to the Dodgers for veteran reliever Matt Guerrier. The Cubs got right-handed pitchers Jake Arrieta and Pedro Strop as well as two international signing bonus slots from the Orioles in exchange for Feldman and catcher Steve Clevenger.

Rockies: Outfielder Dexter Fowler (.291, 10 HRs) was put on the 15-day disabled list with a bone bruise on his right hand.

Twins: Outfielder Josh Willingham (.224, 10 HRs, 37 RBIs) was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a torn meniscus in his left knee.

Giants: Rookie lefthander Mike Kickham was moved out of the rotation and to the bullpen. The 24year-old has given up 21 hits and 16 earned runs in 10 ⅓ innings.

Noteworthy: Major League Baseball umpire Brian Runge reportedly was recently dismissed for what was believed to be the first known drug ouster among umps. MLB announced on June 14 that Runge, 43, was no longer on the staff and that a TripleA umpire had been promoted, but didn’t give a reason. ... Cuban pitcher Odrisamer Despaigne reportedly has defected while in Europe with the country’s national team. Despaigne, 26, is an eight-year veteran who played for Havana powerhouse club Industriales. Last season the righthander was 5-2 in 12 starts.