Palmeiro returns but doesn't say much to media

BALTIMORE -- There was no apology, no mention of the s-word.

Rafael Palmeiro returned from a 10-day suspension Thursday eager to play baseball for the Baltimore Orioles, yet unwilling to discuss the positive test for steroids that tarnished his name, perhaps forever.

"I want to say that I'm happy to be back. I'm anxious to get back on the field and playing the game that I love very much," he said. "It's been a tough time for me and my family over the last couple of weeks, and at this time I've been instructed by my attorneys not to comment on the situation. The time will come soon, hopefully, that I can explain my situation."

Palmeiro did not play Thursday night in the Orioles' 4-2 win over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

Palmeiro was suspended by Major League Baseball on Aug. 1 for failing a drug test. Information on the case has been forwarded to Congress; for that reason, he will not address his situation.