BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJOR LEAGUES : Dempsey, 42, Becomes Oldest Oriole

Rick Dempsey is back in the major leagues. Dempsey, 42, was in a Baltimore uniform Monday night for the Orioles’ game against the New York Yankees, becoming the oldest player ever for the Orioles. Ex-Dodger Dempsey, cut by the Orioles at the end of spring training, has been practicing with the team while serving in a public-relations role. He was activated Monday after catcher Chris Hoiles suffered a broken bone in his right hand Sunday night after being hit by a pitch from the Yankees’ Tim Leary in the second inning. Hoiles left the game in the fourth and it was later learned he had broken a bone.

Commissioner Fay Vincent has found nothing to indicate suspended New York Yankee owner George Steinbrenner was involved in the team’s day-to-day operations, the New York Times reported. “We have more work to do, but so far I don’t see anything here that’s very serious,” Vincent was quoted as saying. “I haven’t found anything troublesome.”

San Diego right-hander Greg Harris, who fractured the middle finger on his pitching hand while attempting to bunt in a 1-0 loss to San Francisco on Sunday, had surgery Monday. He had two stainless steel screws inserted into the finger and will be out for six weeks. . . . Texas Ranger Julio Franco sustained a bone bruise when he was accidentally hit on the right elbow with a fungo bat by bullpen coach Ray Burris during batting practice Monday.