Notes

LOS ANGELES — DODGERS/METS

Torre: Sorry for comments

LOS ANGELES - Dodgers Manager Joe Torre apologized Tuesday for saying he was curious about the New York Mets job, a comment that offended Mets Manager Jerry Manuel.

“It certainly wasn’t my intention of doing that and making people believe that I wanted to manage the Mets,” Torre said before the Dodgers played the San Diego Padres.

Torre has managed the Dodgers for three years but is stepping down after this season. He told WFAN radio in New York on Monday that he is “curious” about managing the Mets in 2011.

However, Manuel remains New York’s manager.

“I find it also curious when someone comments about a job that someone already has,” Manuel said before Tuesday night’s game against the Florida Marlins. “I don’t know him on a personal basis, but when things like that come out, you question the integrity.”

When asked if he felt Torre’s comments were disrespectful because Manuel currently holds the job, Manuel replied, “Sure, no question.”

Torre said, “Certainly he’s right that I shouldn’t have, and I didn’t think I did [make a bid for Manuel’s job]. It’s something I regret doing, if I knew I was doing it at the time.”

Torre said the issue came up when he was asked if he would take a call from Mets owner Fred Wilpon.

“I’ve known Fred Wilpon forever. But I’m not going to manage. Let’s put it that way,” he said. “I won’t be managing the Mets, and I thought I made that clear yesterday - about taking a call, as opposed to looking for a job.” RANGERS

Hamilton’s ribs fractured

ANAHEIM, Calif. - Josh Hamilton hopes to return to the Texas Rangers’ lineup before the end of the regular season despite tests Tuesday revealing the Texas slugger has two broken ribs.

Hamilton is the majors’ leading hitter (.361) and a top AL MVP candidate, but the outfielder hasn’t played for the AL West-leading Rangers since crashing into a wall while making a catch Sept. 4 at Minnesota.

Hamilton was optimistic after the source of his rib pain finally was diagnosed during a second day of evaluation with Dr. Robert Watkins in California on Tuesday.

“There’s really no difference in the treatment for it, whether they’re broken or just bruised,” Hamilton said in the clubhouse before the Rangers’ game against the Los Angeles Angels.

“It’s mostly just good to have confirmation of why I was in so much pain. Now we can take care of it the way we need to, and do it as quick as we can.”

Hamilton has 31 home runs - one shy of his career high - and 97 RBI in 130 games.