A's send down two relievers

Relievers Jordan Norberto and Bruce Billings, two of the pitchers responsible for the 22 runs the Oakland Athletics gave up in New York Thursday, paid the price Friday by being sent to the minor leagues.

The A's, in Boston for a three-game weekend series, recalled left-handers Josh Outman and Jerry Blevins from Sacramento, sending Norberto and Billings to the Triple-A club.

Norberto and Billings combined to work two innings of relief in Thursday's 22-9 loss to the Yankees, yielding seven hits, 11 runs and nine walks. They threw 95 pitches, only 43 for strikes. Both were 0-0, Norberto in six games, Billings in three. Norberto had an 8.10 ERA with the A's, Billings, who gave up one the Yankees' record three grand slams, a 12.60.

Right-hander Graham Godfrey (1-1) will be recalled to start Saturday's second game.