BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : Langston Set to Pitch Friday

Left-hander Mark Langston was cleared to start Friday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles by Dr. Lewis Yocum.

Langston underwent surgery for torn cartilage in his right knee May 8 and was expected to be sidelined six to eight weeks. Instead, he will return after a 23-day absence.

Mark Eichhorn, on the disabled list because of shoulder tendinitis, also might be activated for the weekend series against Baltimore.

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Center fielder Jim Edmonds sat out his second consecutive start because of a strained stomach muscle. Rex Hudler led off and played center for the second game in a row.

Edmonds was able to ride a stationary bike, but did not take part in pregame workouts or batting practice.

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Yankee Manager Joe Torre on the deal: “Obviously, [Smith] was a problem for the manager. That kid [Troy] Percival is a real comer. He had a chance to close and he did a great job.”. . . Catcher Don Slaught was replaced by Jorge Fabregas after suffering a bruised left thigh when Bernie Williams collided with him in a third-inning play at the plate. . . . Wednesday’s 7:30 p.m. game against the Yankees has been picked up ESPN.