Rangers Will Appeal Fine for Calling Up Howe

The Texas Rangers will appeal a fine, reportedly of $250,000, levied by Commissioner Peter Ueberroth for bringing up pitcher Steve Howe to the American League team, club officials said Wednesday.

“We probably will take it (the appeal) to New York after the season’s over,” Ranger President Mike Stone said.

Howe, a former National League Rookie of the Year whose repeated drug problems prompted his release by the Dodgers and Minnesota Twins and his suspension from the minor leagues, was brought up from the Rangers’ Oklahoma City farm club three weeks after he was signed to a minor league contract.

The Rangers were fined because they violated Ueberroth’s unwritten “60-90 day” rule. The policy calls for repeat drug offenders who complete rehabilitation to spend 60-90 days in the minor leagues before coming to the majors to ensure they have their drug problem under control.