SURPRISE, Ariz. — A day after acknowledging he failed a drug test for cocaine last year, Texas Rangers Manager Ron Washington said Thursday he used marijuana and amphetamines while he was a player.

Washington called his past drug use a “youthful error.” He didn’t detail how often he used those drugs.

Washington said his mistakes from years ago have nothing to do with the current issue.

Washington played 10 years in the majors, mostly as an infielder for Minnesota in the 1980s.

 

RED SOX: With his teammates enjoying their only scheduled off day of the spring, right-hander Clay Buchholz pitched four innings in a minor-league game.

It was Buchholz’s regular day to start and the team wanted to keep him on schedule. Buchholz gave up one hit and struck out four, walking none. He threw 45 pitches, 31 for strikes, and another 15 in the bullpen.

• Seattle completed its January trade for first baseman Casey Kotchman, sending right-handed pitcher Miguel Celestino to Boston. Celestino, 20, was 5-3 with a 4.73 ERA in 13 games with the Rookie League’s Arizona Mariners last season.

 

TWINS: Closer Joe Nathan will play catch this weekend as he tries to decide if he can pitch with a torn ligament in his right elbow.

The Twins were intentionally vague about the plan for Nathan to test it this weekend. Manager Ron Gardenhire said he doesn’t want it “to become a media circus.”

 

DIAMONDBACKS: Arizona signed third baseman Mark Reynolds to a three-year deal.

The deal runs through 2012 and includes a club option for 2013.

 

PHILLIES: Closer Brad Lidge gave up three hits and a run in an inning of work, and was very encouraged with the results of his first action against batters this spring.

“My knee felt outstanding,” Lidge said.

 

BREWERS: Third baseman Mat Gamel will be out at least six weeks because of a torn muscle in his right shoulder, team officials said.

 

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