BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJORS : Pirates Are Officially Put Up for Sale

The Pittsburgh Pirates, who claim they’ve lost $60 million since 1985, put themselves up for sale Wednesday. The city has six months to find a buyer willing to spend about $85 million to keep them in Pittsburgh.

“Six months will be a challenge, but we’re committed to keeping the Pirates in Pittsburgh,” Mayor Tom Murphy said.

The New York Yankees claimed left-handed pitcher Rob Murphy, who had been waived by the St. Louis Cardinals. Murphy was 4-3 with two saves in 50 relief appearances for the Cardinals with a 3.79 ERA in 40 1/3 innings. . . . Montreal Manager Felipe Alou flew home to the Dominican Republic to attend the funeral of his father, Jose Rojas, 89. Bench coach Tim Johnson took over as manager Wednesday and is expected to do so again today.