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New York Yankees

8/16/2006

Octavio Dotel, nyy

Dotel was activated Wednesday by the New York Yankees, 14 months after the reliever had a ligament replaced in his right elbow. Dotel, operated on in June 2005, spent most of this year rehabilitating his elbow at the Yankees' complex in Tampa, Fla.

8/15/2006

Randy Johnson, nyy

Johnson surpassed 4,500 strikeouts in his career on Monday in the New York Yankees 7-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels. The win was his 276th of his career.

Alex Rodriguez, nyy

Rodriguez was dropped from cleanup to fifth in the lineup on Monday. The New York Yankees third baseman entered Monday's game with 10 hits in his 22 at bats and was hitting .286 with 25 homers and 83 RBIs this year. He was 1-for-3 on Monday with two RBI.

Jorge Posada, nyy

A single in the second inning of the New York Yankee's game on Monday snapped Posada's 0-for-25 slump. He finished the game with three hits, including a home run.

8/14/2006

Jorge Posada, nyy

Posada went 0-for-4 Sunday and is now hitless in his last 25 at-bats.

8/12/2006

Robinson Cano, nyy

Cano went 2-for-4 with a three-run homer to help the Yankees to a 5-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday. The second baseman has gone 9-for-19 (.474) with four doubles, two homers and four RBIs in his last five games, since being activated from the disabled list with a left hamstring strain.

8/11/2006

Jason Giambi, nyy

Giambi was back in the lineup on Thursday after missing Wednesday's game because he was hit in the elbow by a pitch the previous night.

Johnny Damon, nyy

Damon was back in the lineup on Thursday after leaving in the fourth inning of Wednesday's game with a stiff right groin.

8/10/2006

Jason Giambi, nyy

Yankees manager Joe Torre said Giambi was fine after getting hit by a pitch on the elbow Tuesday night. Giambi was out of the lineup Wednesday and is day-to-day. X-rays were negative.

Johnny Damon, nyy

Damon left Wednesday's game in the fourth with a stiff right groin.

8/9/2006

Jason Giambi, nyy

Giambi left the New York Yankees game against the Chicago White Sox in the eighth inning on Tuesday after being hit by a pitch. He was not in the starting lineup on Wednesday.

Miguel Cairo, nyy

Cairo was placed on the 15-day DL on Tuesday, retroactive to Aug. 6 with a strained left hamstring. With the move the New York Yankees were able to make room for Robinson Cano on their roster. The team hopes to have him back by September.

Robinson Cano, nyy

Cano returned to the New York Yankees lineup for the first time since June 25 after being sidelined by a hamstring injury. He was 3-for-5 with a double against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday.

8/7/2006

Jason Giambi, nyy

Giambi hit his 32nd homer Sunday, matching his total for 2005. Giambi, who went 3-for-3, entered the game with four hits in his last 29 at bats.

Hideki Matsui, nyy

Matsui will have his injured left wrist re-examined Friday, at which time he could be cleared to intensify his workouts. Matsui is currently hitting off a tee with a mini-bat, one-handed with his right arm. He is also throwing in the outfield, but is having a second person catch the return throws for him.

8/4/2006

Robinson Cano, nyy

Cano singled twice and had an RBI grounder in his first minor league game since being sidelined by a strained left hamstring in late June. Cano is scheduled to play three games for Double-A Trenton starting Friday and rejoin the Yankees next Tuesday.

7/31/2006

Gary Sheffield, nyy

Sheffield is scheduled to see the doctor on Monday about his injured left wrist. He had his cast removed last week and could find out when he's allowed to swing a bat again when he speaks with the doctor. Sheffield is still pointing to Sept. 1 as a possible return date.

Bobby Abreu, nyy

The New Yankees acquired Abreu from the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday. Desperate and a productive bat in their depleted outfield, the Yankees took on Abreu's hefty contract, hoping the two-time All-Star right fielder can help them catch first-place Boston in the AL East.

Craig Wilson, nyy

Trying to fill gaps, the New York Yankees got infielder/outfielder Craig Wilson from the Pittsburgh Pirates for pitcher Shawn Chacon on Tuesday.

7/30/2006

Randy Johnson, nyy

Johnson has given up at least one home run in six straight starts, the longest streak of his career within one season, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. He yielded a homer in six consecutive starts for Seattle spanning the 1989 and 1990 seasons. Johnson lasted only 3 1-3 innings Saturday and his ERA climbed to 5.07.

7/26/2006

Sal Fasano, nyy

The New York Yankees acquired Fasano from the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday for minor league second baseman Hector Made. Fasano had been designated for assignment by the Phillies on July 22.

7/25/2006

Johnny Damon, nyy

Damon was scratched from the starting lineup of the Yankees' 6-2 victory at Texas on Monday night because of a sore back. The 32-year-old New York center fielder said there was no way he could have played Monday, not even as a pinch-hitter. "It's along the spine. It came out of the blue," Damon said. "I've never had anything like it before."

7/24/2006

Hideki Matsui, nyy

Matsui is making progress in his comeback from a broken left wrist but still isn't ready to take batting practice. Matsui took easy swings off a tee and during a soft toss session with a mini-bat during his second workout Monday at the Yankees' minor league complex. He also had a long toss session and fielded fly balls and grounders in the outfield.

7/22/2006

Alex Rodriguez, nyy

Rodriguez hit a three-run homer in Friday's 7-3 loss to the Blue Jays to become the youngest player to reach 450 home runs. The Yankees' third baseman, who turns 31 on Thursday, also recorded his 2,000th career hit. He is the eighth player to get his 2,000th hit before his 31st birthday. "Four hundred fifty is something I'm proud of and 2,000 at the same time, it's kind of unique," Rodriguez said.

7/21/2006

Octavio Dotel, nyy

Dotel reported soreness in his arm after pitching an inning for Double-A Trenton on Thursday. The 32-year-old right-hander hasn't pitched for New York this season after undergoing elbow ligament replacement surgery a year ago. Dotel will see a team doctor on Friday. "He finished his stint today. He just didn't feel good. He felt sore and tender," said Yankees manager Joe Torre, who had hoped to have Dotel on the roster on Sunday.

Hideki Matsui, nyy

Matsui got a positive report on his broken left wrist on Thursday and could be cleared to take batting practice in Tampa Bay in a few days. The Yankees' left fielder sustained the injury diving for a ball on May 11 and underwent surgery. Matsui was examined on Thursday by Dr. Melvin Rosenwasser, who also performed the surgery, and he reported that the bones fused perfectly.

Robinson Cano, nyy

Cano is hoping to resume taking batting practice on Friday after tightness in his injured left hamstring shut him down on Monday. The Yankees' second baseman went on the disabled list after straining the hamstring while running out a double in a June 25 game. "It's feeling a lot better," Cano said Thursday after undergoing treatment.

7/20/2006

Robinson Cano, nyy

Cano did not work out Wednesday, a second straight planned day off. The 23-year-old Yankees second baseman has missed 19 games due to a strained left hamstring. He felt tightness in the hamstring while running the bases Monday. "We just want to make sure we don't ignore it," manager Joe Torre said. "I'm curious to see how the weekend goes and then we'll work it out."

7/17/2006

Mariano Rivera, nyy

Rivera tossed two scoreless innings Sunday to register his 400th career save in the Yankees' 6-4 win over the Chicago White Sox. "It's amazing, amazing to even think about it," Rivera said. "I've been blessed."

7/14/2006

Sidney Ponson, nyy

The New York Yankees are expected to sign Ponson on Friday. The 29-year-old right-hander was designated for assignment last week by the Cardinals, then released Thursday. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said the deal "made sense, compared to everything else that was available to us."

7/8/2006

Sidney Ponson, nyy

Ponson was designated for assignment by the Cardinals on Friday to make room on the roster for newly acquired pitcher Jeff Weaver. St. Louis has 10 days to trade, release or send Ponson outright to the minors. In his first season with the Cardinals, Ponson was 4-4 with a 5.24 ERA in 14 games, including 13 starts.

7/7/2006

Randy Johnson, nyy

Johnson allowed three earned runs and seven hits over 7 2-3 innings in Thursday's 10-4 win over the Indians for his 10th victory of the season and 237rd of his career. The Yankees' left-hander moved into a tie for 30th place on the all-time win list with Red Ruffing. Johnson, a five-time Cy Young Award winner, walked none and struck out five in the victory.

7/6/2006

Johnny Damon, nyy

Damon left Wednesday's 11-3 win over the Indians in the third inning with a slight muscle pull in his stomach and was not in the lineup Thursday.

7/5/2006

Kevin Reese, nyy

Reese was sent to Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday after hitting .417 (5-for-12) with one RBI in 10 games for the Yankees. "The best thing for Kevin Reese is to play every day," Yankees manager Joe Torre said. "I liked his approach here. He did a good job. But he needs to play."

7/4/2006

Sal Fasano, nyy

Fasano was placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Phillies on Tuesday with a knee injury. Fasano has had inflammation in his left knee for the better part of the season and had to leave Sunday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays when the condition got worse.

7/3/2006

Alex Rodriguez, nyy

New York's Rodriguez was selected to his 10th All-Star team on Sunday, as the starting third baseman for the American League. Rodriguez is batting .284 with 19 homers and 64 RBIs this season.

Mariano Rivera, nyy

New York's Rivera was selected to his eighth All-Star team on Sunday as a relief pitcher for the American League. Rivera is 4-4 with a 1.84 ERA and 18 saves this season.

Derek Jeter, nyy

New York's Jeter was selected to his seventh All-Star team on Sunday, as the starting shortstop for the American League. Jeter is batting .339 with five homers and 47 RBIs this season.

Robinson Cano, nyy

New York's Cano was selected to his first All-Star team on Sunday, as a reserve second baseman for the American League. Cano is batting .325 with four homers and 27 RBIs this season. Cano was originally selected to start, but is injured and won?t be able to play.

7/2/2006

Mike Mussina, nyy

Mussina said he felt fine on Saturday, one day after leaving his start early because of a slight strain in his right groin. The Yankees right-hander had allowed no hits through four innings against the Mets. He hopes to make his next scheduled start on Wednesday against Cleveland.

6/29/2006

Alex Rodriguez, nyy

Rodriguez hit a game-winning two-run homer in the 12th inning of New York's 4-3 victory over Atlanta on Wednesday. It was the fifth game-winning home run of Rodriguez' career and gave the third baseman 100 career homers with the Yankees, the 34th player in team history to reach that number.

6/27/2006

Nick Green, nyy

Green was called up from Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday after Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring. Green was hitting .222 for the Clippers, playing primarily as a shortstop.

Robinson Cano, nyy

Cano was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with a strained left hamstring with the move retroactive to Monday. The Yankees' second baseman left the second game of Sunday's doubleheader versus Florida in the sixth inning after sustaining the injury. Cano went 2-for-6 in the doubleheader to extend his hitting streak to five games.

6/26/2006

Mike Mussina, nyy

Mussina reached a pitching milestone Sunday when he recorded the 2,500th strikeout of his career in the first game of a day-night doubleheader against the Florida Marlins.

Robinson Cano, nyy

Cano strained his hamstring Sunday night and left the second game of a doubleheader against the Florida Marlins in the sixth inning. Cano hit a double to right-center and pulled up as he was nearing second base. He grimaced and reached for the back of his left leg.

6/25/2006

Gary Sheffield, nyy

Sheffield sat in the dugout during Old-Timers' Day festivities at Yankee Stadium on Saturday. Sheffield has a cast on his surgically repaired left wrist, but he said it feels better since he got his stitches out recently. The slugger still expects to return in September. "I feel like if I have a full September, I can go into the playoffs 100 percent ready," Sheffield said. "It's hard for me to sit here and watch."

6/24/2006

Octavio Dotel, nyy

The Yankees got some good news Friday when reliever Octavio Dotel was diagnosed with inflammation in his aching elbow. Dotel, recovering from Tommy John surgery last season, reported discomfort in his right elbow, but Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., found no structural damage.

6/21/2006

Bernie Williams, nyy

Williams went 5-for-5 for the Yankees on Tuesday, helping them snap a three-game losing streak with a 9-7 win over Philadelphia. It was the fifth five-hit game of Williams' career and his first since Aug. 15, 2002, against the Angels.

6/19/2006

Scott Erickson, nyy

Erickson was released by the New York Yankees on Monday after he was designated for assignment on June 11. The 38-year-old right-hander was 0-0 with a 7.94 ERA in nine relief appearances for the Yankees this season.

6/18/2006

Kyle Farnsworth, nyy

Farnsworth was not available for the second straight day on Sunday after leaving Friday's game with back spasms. The New York Yankees reliever is 2-4 with a 4.55 ERA with one save in five opportunities. Manager Joe Torre said he hoped Farnsworth would be able to pitch on Monday after having a throwing session on Sunday.

6/17/2006

Aaron Small, nyy

The New York Yankees designated Small for assignment Saturday. The Yankees right-hander has struggled this season, going 0-3 with an 8.46 ERA in 11 appearances and three starts. "They felt like I was a fish out of water in the bullpen, that I'm more of a starter ...," Small said. "I apologized to (manager) Joe (Torre) for not getting the job done."

6/15/2006

Randy Johnson, nyy

Johnson was suspended five games Thursday by the MLB Commissioner's Office for intentionally throwing at Cleveland Indians' first baseman Eduardo Perez in Wednesday's 6-1 win by the New York Yankees. Johnson threw way inside to Perez in the seventh one inning after Yankees catcher Jorge Posada was hit by a pitch. Yankees manager Joe Torre was also suspended one game.

Bubba Crosby, nyy

The New York Yankees activated Crosby from the disabled list Thursday and designated infielder Nick Green for assignment. Crosby went on the DL with a strained right hamstring on May 19. The outfielder was batting .263 with two RBIs in 31 games this season.

6/12/2006

Jorge Posada, nyy

Posada hit his 183rd career home run, tying Tommy Henrich for 15th place on the team's career list. It was his eighth of the season.

6/11/2006

Jason Giambi, nyy

Giambi was out of the New York Yankees starting lineup Sunday with left hand and wrist problems. Yankees manager Joe Torre said he hopes Giambi can return to the lineup Tuesday but said the first baseman is experiencing puffiness around the injured area.

6/8/2006

Gary Sheffield, nyy

Sheffield will undergo surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left wrist but the New York Yankees right fielder is not expected to miss the rest of the season, general manager Brian Cashman said Thursday. Sheffield originally hurt the wrist when he collided at first base with Shea Hillenbrand of the Toronto Blue Jays on April 29.

6/6/2006

Derek Jeter, nyy

Jeter missed his second straight New York Yankees game Tuesday, sitting out the game against the Boston Red Sox with a bruised right thumb. "It's better," Yankees manager Joe Torre said of his shortstop's injury. "Obviously, it's not good enough to play. When I said he'd be out a couple of days, it was something of a guess."

6/3/2006

Alex Rodriguez, nyy

Rodriguez sat out Friday's game because of a stomach ailment and will likely not play on Saturday against the San Francisco Giants. The Yankees third baseman had been the only player to have been in each game this season.

Derek Jeter, nyy

Jeter returned to the Yankees' lineup and went 3-for-4 with two RBIs in Friday's 6-5 win over the Baltimore Orioles. The shortstop missed two games with a sore right palm.

Darrell Rasner, nyy

Rasner was put on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday with soreness in his pitching shoulder. Thursday against the Tigers was the Yankees right-hander's first appearance this season. He pitched 1 2-3 innings of relief and gave up one hit.

6/1/2006

Gary Sheffield, nyy

The Yankees placed Sheffield on the 15-day disabled list on Thursday after tests revealed a torn ligament in his wrist. The Yankees outfielder had been bothered by a wrist injury since an April collision with Toronto's Shea Hillenbrand, and he aggravated it earlier this week.

Mariano Rivera, nyy

Rivera hurt his back early on Thursday and the Yankees said he likely wouldn't be available on Thursday against the Tigers. "He had one shoe on, and when he went to put the left shoe on, something spasmed," Torre said before Thursday's game against Detroit. "It's something new every day."

Derek Jeter, nyy

Jeter did not start his second straight game because of a sore right palm. Yankees manager Joe Torre said the shortstop was ready to play, but he wanted to give Jeter the night off. "If we need him to pinch-hit, he's alright to do that," Torre said. "He's just been in such a great rhythm that I don't want him to favor something and get knocked out of that."

5/31/2006

Gary Sheffield, nyy

Sheffield is expected to miss two more games after aggravating his sore left wrist on Tuesday during batting practice. He was scratched from that evening's game."We're going to ice it for a couple of days," Yankees manager Joe Torre said.

Johnny Damon, nyy

Damon is not expected to be in the lineup for the second straight game on Wednesday because of an injured foot. The Yankees center fielder came in as a pinch-runner during the ninth inning of Tuesday's game.

5/26/2006

Carl Pavano, nyy

Pavano underwent surgery to remove bone chips in his right elbow on Thursday. The right-handed pitcher has not played since June 27, 2005, and may not return this season.

5/25/2006

Jorge Posada, nyy

Posada missed Wednesday's 8-6 victory over Boston with a sore hamstring and will have an MRI on Thursday. The Yankees' catcher was hurt on Tuesday and his status for Friday's game against Kansas City will be determined after his test.

Jaret Wright, nyy

Wright tweaked his groin in Tuesday's 7-5 win over the Red Sox and could possibly miss a start. The right-hander pitched five shutout innings and allowed four hits in the win before leaving with the injury. "We'll know probably more in a day or so, but, with the off day (Thursday), we're hoping he won't miss a start," Yankees manager Joe Torre said.

5/23/2006

Gary Sheffield, nyy

The New York Yankees activated Sheffield who was scheduled to return to their lineup in time for Tuesday night's game against the Boston Red Sox. The right fielder had been sidelined for New York's last 16 games with a left hand contusion. He suffered the injury colliding with Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Shea Hillenbrand after beating out an infield single in an April 29 game. The Yankees went 8-8 in his absence.

5/22/2006

Gary Sheffield, nyy

Sheffield tested his injured left hand in a rehab game with the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate Monday. The right fielder, on the disabled list since May 5, was the scheduled designated hitter for the Trenton Thunder in an Eastern League game against the New Britain Rock Cats.

5/19/2006

Carl Pavano, nyy

Pavano, who hasn't pitched in the majors since last June because of a variety of ailments, needs surgery for a bone chip above his right elbow. It's possible that the Yankees' right-hander won't pitch in the majors this season.

Bubba Crosby, nyy

The New York Yankees put Crosby on the 15-day disabled list Friday, the third outfielder they've sidelined in the last two weeks. The Yankees go into their weekend interleague series with the New York Mets without Crosby (right hamstring strain), Hideki Matsui (broken left wrist) and Gary Sheffield (left wrist and hand). In 38 at-bats this season, Crosby was batting .263 with a double and a triple.

5/18/2006

Carl Pavano, nyy

Pavano left a rehab start for Double-A Trenton Wednesday after just nine pitches, and he still couldn't straighten his right arm on Thursday. It was Pavano's third rehab start since bruising his buttocks while fielding a bunt in spring training. His 2005 season was cut short by rotator cuff tendinitis.

5/17/2006

Tanyon Sturtze, nyy

A recent MRI exam revealed a small rotator cuff tear in Sturtze's right shoulder, and the Yankees' right-hander may face season-ending surgery. The team Web site reports Sturtze will visit Dr. James Andrews on Wednesday to get a second opinion. If Andrews recommends surgery to repair the shoulder, Sturtze could undergo the procedure on the spot, according to general manager Brian Cashman.

Jason Giambi, nyy

Giambi sat out New York's 14-13 come-from-behind win over Texas Tuesday with a neck strain. The Yankees' first baseman suffered a bit of whiplash making a diving stop on a groundball in Monday's game, according to New York's Web site. Giambi is listed as day-to-day.

5/15/2006

Randy Johnson, nyy

Johnson's home run to Oakland's Mark Kotsay on Sunday was the first the New York Yankee pitcher has given up to a left-handed hitter in 36 regular-season starts.

5/12/2006

Hideki Matsui, nyy

Matsui broke his left wrist trying to make a sliding catch in the first inning of the Yankees' 5-3 loss to Boston Thursday night. His consecutive games streak ends at 518 games, as he hadn't missed one since joining the Yankees in 2003. His streak as a professional stalled at 1,768, as he had played 1,250 consecutive games with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan priot to moving to North America.

5/10/2006

Sidney Ponson, nyy

The St. Louis Cardinals placed Ponson on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with an acute flexor muscle strain in his right elbow. He suffered the injury early in his Sunday start against the Florida Marlins. Ponson will not throw for a week before beginning a rehab program. "This just ensures that we're not tempted to rush him," Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said of the DL move. "We just want him to take the 15 days to be sure."

5/9/2006

Gary Sheffield, nyy

The New York Yankees put Sheffield on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with a bruised left hand. The move was retroactive to May 6. The Yankees' right fielder collided with Toronto first baseman Shea Hillenbrand on April 29 and left the game. He missed the next three games, pinch-hit in another and went 0-for-5 against Texas last Friday night. He hasn't played since then and saw a hand specialist Monday.

Sidney Ponson, nyy

Ponson is expected to miss his next start after he strained a muscle in his right elbow in the Cardinals' 9-1 victory over the Florida Marlins Sunday. St. Louis trainer Barry Weinberg said Ponson sustained an acute flexor muscle strain. The St. Louis right-hander, who left in the third inning of his start, will be evaluated a second time soon to determine a treatment and throwing program.

5/7/2006

Sidney Ponson, nyy

Ponson left the Cardinal's 9-1 win over the Marlins on Sunday in the third inning because of elbow discomfort.

5/2/2006

Carl Pavano, nyy

Pavano worked five innings of an extended spring training game Tuesday, his first game experience since being shut down March 30 because of a bruised left buttocks. The Yankees' right-hander allowed one unearned run and two hits in a 58-pitch outing. He fanned three. Pavano, who also was limited by a back injury in March, could rejoin the New York rotation in June.

Octavio Dotel, nyy

Dotel threw 35 pitches off a bullpen mound in his rehab for Tommy John surgery last June. His recovery had been slowed by tendinitis in his surgically repaired elbow that caused him to be shut down briefly in April. The right-handed reliever is scheduled for another mound session late this week and could resume pitching in extended spring training games next week.

5/1/2006

Gary Sheffield, nyy

Sheffield is not in the Yankees' lineup for Monday night's game against the Boston Red Sox. The New York right fielder left Saturday's game with Toronto with a sore left hand he injured in a collision with the Blue Jays' Shea Hillenbrand. He sat out on Sunday and remains day-to-day.

4/30/2006

Gary Sheffield, nyy

Sheffield did not start Sunday against the Toronto Blue Jays because his left hand was sore following a collision with Blue Jays first baseman Shea Hillenbrand the previous day. Sheffield was examined Sunday by team physician Stuart Hershon and an MRI revealed no additional injuries. The New York right fielder is listed as day-to-day with a bruised left wrist.

4/29/2006

Gary Sheffield, nyy

Sheffield left the Yankees' 17-6 win over Toronto on Saturday after colliding with Blue Jays first baseman Shea Hillenbrand at the bag. New York said its right fielder has a bruised left wrist and right knee. He was helped off the field by Yankees manager Joe Torre and assistant trainer Steve Donohue.

4/20/2006

Octavio Dotel, nyy

Dotel, who worked his first extended spring training game Tuesday following Tommy John surgery last June, is expected to work an inning again on Friday. If all goes well, a late-May return is possible.

4/18/2006

Aaron Small, nyy

Rehabbing a hamstring injury, Small worked four scoreless innings and threw 48 pitches in his second extended spring training start. He struck out four facing Philadelphia minor leaguers in Florida. "The hamstring was perfect," said Small, who ran over to first to cover on a couple of plays during the game.

Ramiro Mendoza, nyy

Mendoza, who is rehabbing from shoulder surgery early in 2005, is working on building up his arm strength. The veteran right-hander is scheduled to pitch in an extended spring game Wednesday in the Yankees' camp.

Carl Pavano, nyy

Pavano threw 45 pitches in his first session working off a mound in 2 1/2 weeks on Monday, and threw 58 pitches in his second one Wednesday. The Yankees' right-hander has been rehabbing a back injury and a bruised buttocks, which he suffered late in spring training while working his way back from the back ailment.

Octavio Dotel, nyy

Dotel, who underwent Tommy John surgery last June, is scheduled to pitch one inning in an extended spring training game Tuesday. It will be his first game action since his elbow was rebuilt. The Yankees' right-hander could be ready to join the Yankees by late May.

4/17/2006

Craig Wilson, nyy

Since Pirates first baseman Sean Casey went down with two fractures in his lower back Friday, Wilson has manned first base and hit well in place of Casey. In the weekend's three-game set with the Chicago Cubs, Wilson was 3-for-9 with a triple, two homers and five RBIs. He also stole a base and drew two walks.

4/13/2006

Johnny Damon, nyy

Damon hit his first Yankees homer -- a three-run shot during a five-run eighth inning -- in New York's 9-3 win over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday. The victory completed a three-game sweep by the Bombers.

4/11/2006

Derek Jeter, nyy

Jeter hit a three-run homer during a five-run eighth inning in the Yankees' 9-7 comeback win over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday. The victory marked New York's ninth straight in home openers.

4/6/2006

Jesus Colome, nyy

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays gave up on Colome Thursday, releasing the hard-throwing right-hander following a rough spring and one regular-season outing. The promising but erratic hurler allowed 20 hits and 12 earned runs over 11 innings in camp, then walked a batter and gave up a run in one-third of an inning against Baltimore Wednesday.

4/5/2006

Carl Pavano, nyy

Pavano threw Wednesday for the first time since he bruised his buttocks last week during a spring training game. The Yankees' right-hander played catch for 10 minutes with injured teammate Aaron Small. Pavano will play catch again on Thursday.

4/4/2006

Alex Rodriguez, nyy

Rodriguez stroked the 12th grand slam of his career in the second inning of New York's 15-2 romp over Oakland Monday. The slam by the Yankees' third baseman capped a seven-run second that sent A's starter Barry Zito to the showers after recording just four outs. For the night, A-Rod went 3-for-5 with a walk, two runs scored and five RBIs.

Carl Pavano, nyy

Pavano hasn't started working out yet, as he awaits a review of test results from back specialist Dr. Robert Watkins. The Yankees' right-hander had been working his way from back problems. Then he bruised his left buttocks diving for first base while making a play in a minor league game on Tuesday. GM Brian Cashman reported Monday that Pavano is feeling better, but added that he isn't ready to throw and the Yankees will be conservative in bringing him back.

Octavio Dotel, nyy

Dotel, who underwent Tommy John surgery in June, threw 40 pitches during a simulated game and will face hitters for a second time on Thursday. Dotel might pitch in an extended spring training game by next week.

Nick Green, nyy

Both Julio Lugo and Luis Ordaz left Monday's opener with injuries, and Green became Tampa Bay's third shortstop of the day. It's likely that Green would start Wednesday against Baltimore if both players remain sidelined. Lugo received treatment Tuesday for an abdominal strain. Ordaz was scheduled to have an MRI exam on a sore left knee.

Hideki Matsui, nyy

Matsui opened the new season with a perfect 4-for-4 performance in New York's 15-2 win over the Oakland Athletics. The Yankees' left fielder singled three times, walked twice, stroked a solo homer and drove in four runs. He also scored twice.

4/1/2006

Chien-Ming Wang, nyy

Wang was picked as the No. 3 starter by Yankees manager Joe Torre on Friday. The right hander was 8-5 with a 4.02 ERA in 2005. He joins Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina, Shawn Chacon and Jaret Wright in the New York rotation.

3/31/2006

Jaret Wright, nyy

Yankees manager Joe Torre has named Wright his fifth starter, which means the 30-year-old right-hander may get some work in long relief in the early going of the season. The third and fourth spots went to Chien-Ming Wang and Shawn Chacon, dropping Wright to the No. 5 role.

Carl Pavano, nyy

The New York Yankees have shut down Pavano, who is headed for the disabled list to start the season. The 30-year-old right-hander was working his way back from a back injury before bruising his left buttocks diving for first base while making a play in a minor league game on Tuesday. Pavano is in pain, and he won't throw until the pain subsides.

3/29/2006

Jorge Posada, nyy

Posada is expected to play in the field Thursday for the first time since breaking his nose March 22. The Yankees' catcher is expected to be ready for opening day Monday, when New York plays at Oakland.

3/28/2006

Aaron Small, nyy

Small will start the 2006 season on the 15-day disabled list. The Yankees' right-hander has been sidelined with a hamstring injury. The good news is, Small threw off a mound for the first time this spring on Monday. When he will be ready to join the Yankees remains uncertain.

Jaret Wright, nyy

Wright seems to be progressing well after experiencing back spasms while fielding bunts nine days ago. He has thrown bullpen sessions on Saturday and Monday, and the Yankees' right-hander will work a minor league game this Thursday. If all goes well, Wright could be ready by opening day.

Carl Pavano, nyy

Pavano, who is expected to start the year on the disabled list with a back injury, will make his spring debut by throwing one inning for the New York Yankees Tuesday. Getting the right-hander on the mound is an encouraging development, but the Yankees don't expect him to be ready until at least the third week of April.

3/27/2006

Jorge Posada, nyy

Posada, who suffered a broken nose Wednesday, worked out Sunday and is hoping to be ready for opening day. The Yankees' catcher was hit in the face by a ball while playing catch with backup Kelly Stinnett Wednesday. Posada's vision is fine, but he was scheduled to see an eye doctor on Monday.

3/24/2006

Jorge Posada, nyy

Posada returned home from the hospital Thursday, a day after he broke his nose, but the Yankees' catcher may miss opening day. Posada is resting at home after he was hit in the face by a ball while playing catch with backup Kelly Stinnett before Wednesday's night game against Boston.

Jaret Wright, nyy

Wright has been out with back spasms but is expected to throw in the bullpen Saturday. The Yankees' right-hander was injured fielding bunts on Sunday. If all goes well in Saturday's bullpen session, Wright could make a start for the Yankees next week.

3/23/2006

Gary Sheffield, nyy

The upcoming book that implicates Barry Bonds for his use of steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs also identifies Sheffield as a user. The authors of "Game of Shadows" say Bonds' trainer, Greg Anderson, put Sheffield on injectable testosterone and a human growth hormone in 2002, and later sold him designer steroids known as the "cream" and the "clear."

Johnny Damon, nyy

Damon, recovering from left shoulder tendinitis that sidelined him during the World Baseball Classic, is expected to play in the field for the first time since the WBC this Saturday. The Yankees' center fielder was scheduled to return to action Thursday, but manager Joe Torre pushed his return back a couple of days on Wednesday.

Jorge Posada, nyy

Posada broke his nose Wednesday when he was hit in the face by a ball while playing catch. X-rays revealed a nasal fracture, which forced the Yankees' catcher out of Wednesday's exhibition game against Boston. He stayed overnight in a Tampa-area hospital and was expected to be released on Thursday.

3/22/2006

Sidney Ponson, nyy

The St. Louis Cardinals have named Ponson their fifth starter to open the 2006 season. The veteran right-hander competed against pitching prospect Anthony Reyes for the final spot in the St. Louis rotation. Ponson will stick with the Cardinals after signing a $1 million contract in December while Reyes will begin his season at Triple-A Memphis.

3/20/2006

Aaron Small, nyy

Small, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, is likely to start the season on the disabled list. The Yankees' right-hander is improving, but he still won't throw off a mound for at least a week. Small was a pleasant surprise for the Yankees in 2005, going 10-0 with a 3.20 ERA in nine starts and six relief appearances.

Jaret Wright, nyy

Wright will miss his next spring start for the Yankees because of back spasms. The right-hander, who is competing for a rotation spot, was injured fielding bunts on Sunday. He was scheduled to pitch on Thursday, but the Yankees hope that he might be ready by the weekend after receiving treatment over the course of the week.

3/19/2006

Al Leiter, nyy

ESPN reports Leiter will retire Sunday after pitching the seventh inning of the Yankees' Grapefruit League game against the Indians.

Carl Pavano, nyy

Pavano, who will start the season on the disabled list because of a sore back, will throw batting practice in the Yankees' camp on Sunday.

3/14/2006

Johnny Damon, nyy

Damon is bothered by a sore left shoulder, which may sideline the Yankees' center fielder for the rest of the second round of the World Baseball Classic. He won't be throwing for a few days and could be limited to DH or pinch-hitting duties in the WBC.

3/12/2006

Alex Rodriguez, nyy

Rodriguez singled in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth as Team USA opened its second round with Sunday's 4-3 win over Japan in the World Baseball Classic. The U.S. was 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position until Rodriguez singled up the middle with the bases loaded and two outs.

3/11/2006

Carl Pavano, nyy

Pavano threw his second 35-pitch bullpen session in three days. He likely will face hitters before next week's completion. The Yankees righty, a free-agent signing from the Florida Marlins before last season's start, has been hampered by a back injury this spring.

3/1/2006

Randy Johnson, nyy

Yankees manager Joe Torre announced Johnson would be his Opening Day starter when New York begins the season April 3 at Oakland. It will be Johnson's 14th Opening Day start. He will become the leader in working openers, surpassing Roger Clemens, who has worked 13 in his career.

Carl Pavano, nyy

Pavano has been slowed by a back injury this spring. The Yankees' right-hander is scheduled to throw off the slope of the mound for the first time Friday. He is expected to open the new season on the disabled list. The earliest Pavano might be needed is mid-April, when the Yankees will finally need a fifth starter following a run of off days early in the season.

Octavio Dotel, nyy

Dotel, who underwent Tommy John surgery in June, will throw off the slope of the mound for the first time Friday in the Yankees' camp. Early reports suggest the veteran right-hander will be ready to work in minor league games in May.

2/19/2006

Kevin Brown, nyy

Brown decided to retire after spending an injury-plagued 2005 season with the New York Yankees. The five-time all-star pitcher posted a 211-144 record with a 3.28 and 2,397 strikeouts during a 19-year career with the Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, Florida Marlins, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers and Yankees. Back injuries slowed Brown after he joined the Dodgers in 1999.

2/11/2006

Darrell Rasner, nyy

The New York Yankees claimed Rasner off waivers on Saturday from the Nationals. The right-hander went 0-1 with a 3.68 ERA in five appearances, including one start, after being called up from the minors on Sept. 6.

1/27/2006

Jesus Colome, nyy

Colome agreed to an $815,000 one-year contract with the Devil Rays on Friday, avoiding arbitration. The right-hander was 2-3 with a 4.57 ERA in 36 games last season. Over his five-year career, Colome is 11-22 with a 3.70 ERA in 185 games.

1/25/2006

Aaron Small, nyy

The Yankees rewarded Small for his unbeaten season by giving the right-hander a $1.2 million, one-year contract on Tuesday. Called up from the minors at midseason, Small finished 10-0 with a 3.20 ERA in nine starts and six relief appearances for New York.

1/15/2006

Craig Wilson, nyy

Avoiding arbitration, Wilson signed a one-year, $3.3 million deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates Saturday. The 29-year-old veteran missed 103 games last season because of two injuries to his left hand. In 59 games, he batted .264 with 14 doubles, five homers, 22 RBIs and a .387 on-base percentage.

1/6/2006

Al Leiter, nyy

Leiter and the New York Yankees agreed to a minor league contract Friday. The 40-year-old left-hander has spent 19 seasons in the majors with four different teams. After pitching in 17 games for Florida to open 2005, Leiter finished last season with the Yankees, going 4-5 with a 5.49 ERA in 16 games for New York. He will get a $1.5 million, one-year contract if added to the Yankees' 40-man roster.

Miguel Cairo, nyy

Cairo finalized a $1 million, one-year contract with the New York Yankees on Thursday. The 31-year-old infielder hit .251 with 19 RBIs last season with the New York Mets. He played for the Yankees in 2004, hitting .292 with 42 RBIs and starting at second base during the second half of the season.

12/31/2005

Octavio Dotel, nyy

Dotel agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract with the New York Yankees on Thursday. The 32-year-old right-hander went 1-2 with a 3.52 earned run average and seven saves in 15 games for Oakland last season before going on the disabled list in May. He underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow shortly after.

12/30/2005

Miguel Cairo, nyy

Cairo and the Yankees reached a preliminary agreement Wednesday on a one-year deal worth $1 million. The infielder was the starting second baseman for the Yankees during the second half of the 2004 season, but the team did not re-sign him and he spent 2005 with the Mets. He hit .251 last season with two homers and 19 RBI in 327 at-bats.

12/22/2005

Bernie Williams, nyy

Williams has re-signed with the New York Yankees, agreeing to a one-year, $1.5 million contract, with another $1.5 million available in performance bonuses. The 37-year-old outfielder has seen his production gradually slip over the past several years. In 141 games last season, he batted just .249 with 12 home runs and 64 RBIs.

12/21/2005

Johnny Damon, nyy

Damon agreed to a $52 million, four-year deal with the Yankees on Tuesday night. The center fielder gives New York its first star leadoff hitter in nearly a decade and hurts the rival Boston Red Sox, who are now without a player to fill that role.

Sidney Ponson, nyy

Ponson and the St. Louis Cardinals agreed to a one-year, $1 million deal on Wednesday, with an additional $1.5 million available in performance bonuses. The troubled starter was released by the Baltimore Orioles on Sept. 6 and the team voided his contract.

Octavio Dotel, nyy

Dotel reached a preliminary agreement with the Yankees on Tuesday on a $2 million, one-year contract. Dotel is currently unable to pitch after undergoing reconstructive elbow surgery on June 6, but he hopes to be back pitching by midseason.

12/16/2005

Ron Villone, nyy

The Florida Marlins traded Villone to the New York Yankees for minor league pitcher Ben Julianel on Friday. The 35-year-old left-hander split the 2005 season between Seattle and Florida. He finished 5-5 with a 4.08 ERA in a total of 79 games between the two teams. Villone is owed $2 million next season in the second year of a $4.2 million, two-year contract.

12/9/2005

Mike Myers, nyy

Myers signed a $2.4 million, two-year contract with the New York Yankees on Thursday. The left-handed specialist appeared in 65 games for the Red Sox last season, going 3-1 with a 3.13 ERA.

12/2/2005

Octavio Dotel, nyy

Dotel told the Contra Costa Times Friday that he likely will be out until midseason as he recovers from Tommy John surgery on his elbow. The closer is currently a free agent, but Dotel said several teams have expressed interest in signing him.

Kyle Farnsworth, nyy

Farnsworth signed a $17 million, three-year contract with the Yankees on Friday to be the primary setup man for closer Mariano Rivera. The hard-throwing righthander split 2005 between Detroit and Atlanta, going 1-1 with a 2.19 ERA in 72 games.

12/1/2005

Sal Fasano, nyy

Fasano and the Phillies agreed Thursday to a $425,000, one-year contract. The free-agent catcher hit .250 with the Baltimore Orioles last season. He had a career-high 11 homers and 20 RBIs in 64 games and 160 at-bats.

11/30/2005

Kelly Stinnett, nyy

The New York Yankees have signed Stinnett to a one-year, $650,000 contract for 2006. The 35-year-old veteran, who will replace John Flaherty as the Yankees' backup catcher, batted .248 with six home runs and 12 RBIs in 129 at-bats with Arizona last season.

11/15/2005

Tanyon Sturtze, nyy

The New York Yankees exercised their $1.5 million option on Sturtze for 2006. The 35-year-old right-hander was 5-3 with a 4.73 ERA and one save in one start and 63 relief appearances.

Hideki Matsui, nyy

Matsui will stay in New York, agreeing to a four-year, $52 million contract extension with the Yankees on Tuesday. Reportedly he will make $13 million in each of the four years. The 31-year-old left fielder batted .305 with 45 doubles, 23 homers, 108 runs scored and 116 RBIs while playing 162 games in 2005.

11/14/2005

Alex Rodriguez, nyy

On Monday, Rodriguez captured his second American League MVP Award, barely claiming the prize for the second time in three years over Boston designated hitter David Ortiz. Rodriguez finished the 2005 season with a .321 average, 48 home runs, 124 runs scored and 130 RBIs.

11/8/2005

Tino Martinez, nyy

The Yankees have declined their $3 million option on first baseman Tino Martinez. The veteran played for New York during the 2005 season, batting .241 with 17 home runs and 49 RBIs in limited duty. Because Martinez was a backup at first to Jason Giambi, the team felt that it could reduce payroll by letting him go.

10/29/2005

Johnny Damon, nyy

Damon filed for free agency on Friday. The veteran outfielder, who has spent the last four seasons in Boston, hit .316 with 10 home runs and 75 RBI for the Red Sox in 2005.

10/2/2005

Derek Jeter, nyy

Yankees' shortstop Derek Jeter was removed from Sunday's game in the fourth inning after bruising his right knee sliding into second base. Reports state that the move was a precautionary measure, and Jeter was replaced in the field by Mark Bellhorn.

10/1/2005

Mike Mussina, nyy

With the Yankees clinching the A.L. East on Saturday, Mussina will not pitch in the regular season finale on sunday. Instead, he will reportedly be the Game 1 starter on Tuesday against either the White Sox, Angels or Indians. Jaret Wright will make the start Sunday in the season finale against the Red Sox.

Derek Jeter, nyy

Jeter got his 200th hit of the season during the Yankees' A.L. East-clinching win over the Red sox on saturday. this is the 4th 200-hit season for Jeter in his career -- 2nd most all-time by a Yankee, behind Lou Gehrig (8).

Jaret Wright, nyy

With the division title safely in hand following Saturday's win over the Red Sox, Wright will reportedly replace Mike Mussina as the starting pitcher for Sunday's season finale. Mussina will then be the starter in Game 1 of the postseason.

9/23/2005

Mike Mussina, nyy

Mussina had a successful return to the New York Yankees' starting rotation on Thursday. The veteran righthander, who had missed more than three weeks with elbow discomfort, lasted six innings in a victory over the Baltimore Orioles, allowing just one unearned run on four hits. He struck out six and did not walk a batter.

Johnny Damon, nyy

Barring any last-minute setbacks, Damon will be in center field for the start of a weekend series against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday. The Red Sox outfielder has been sidelined the last two days after receiving a cortisone shot in his ailing shoulder on Wednesday.

Jorge Posada, nyy

Posada was 2-for-4 in Thursday's victory over the Baltimore Orioles, belting a solo home run in the fifth inning before adding a three-run shot just an inning later. The Yankees' catcher now has two multihomer games this season and 11 in his major league career.

9/22/2005

Randy Johnson, nyy

Johnson limited Baltimore to three hits over eight innings and came away with a 2-1 victory that put the Yankees in first place in the American League East. The Big Unit's fourth straight victory put New York in first for the first time since July 19.

Mike Mussina, nyy

Mussina takes the mound against Baltimore on Thursday night, starting for the Yankees for the first time since August 29. Temporarily sidelined by elbow discomfort, Mussina is 12-8 with a 4.34 ERA in 28 starts this season.

9/21/2005

Aaron Small, nyy

Tuesday night's performance wasn't pretty -- with Small giving up 10 hits and four earned runs over five innings -- but the 33-year-old righthander improved his record to 9-0 (3.59 ERA) with his win over the Baltimore Orioles. The Yankees' bullpen gave up five runs, but New York held on for a 12-9 victory.

9/20/2005

Al Leiter, nyy

Leiter had a successful relief stint for the Yankees in Toronto on Sunday. It was the second relief appearance of the month for the New York lefthander, who will be tried as a one-out lefty specialist by Yankees manager Joe Torre.

Mike Mussina, nyy

Mussina worked another successful bullpen session on Monday, and the Yankees' righthander is set to rejoin the New York rotation on Thursday or Friday. He hasn't pitched for the Yankees since August 29, as he has been sidelined by elbow discomfort. Mussina is 12-8 with a 4.34 ERA in 28 starts this season.

Jason Giambi, nyy

Despite a flareup of back spasms on Sunday, Giambi didn't miss a start for the Yankees. The first baseman was 0-for-2 with a walk and a hit-by-pitch in New York's 3-2 win over Baltimore. He is hitting .278 with 30 homers and 80 RBI on the season.

Jaret Wright, nyy

Wright is likely to make his scheduled start this weekend against Toronto. The Yankees' righthander was struck on the throwing elbow by the barrel of a bat on Sunday, and he left the game. He will have a throwing session on Tuesday or Wednesday, which should determine his status for the weekend.

9/19/2005

Gary Sheffield, nyy

Sheffield has continued to DH since returning to the Yankees' lineup last Tuesday with a lingering thigh injury. It was thought he might return to the outfield over the weekend, but Sheffield said on Sunday that the injury doesn't seem to be improving and may force him to remain the DH for the rest of the season. He added that if it wasn't for being involved in a pennant race in late September, he probably would be on the disabled list.

Alex Rodriguez, nyy

Rodriguez drilled a two-run homer in New York's 6-5 loss to Toronto Sunday, giving the American League home-run leader three dingers in the last four days. The Yankees' third baseman also recorded two-run homers on Thursday and Friday. With three homers and six RBI since Thursday, Rodriguez leads the AL with 44 home runs and has 118 RBI.

9/18/2005

Jason Giambi, nyy

Giambi left the Yankees' 6-5 loss to Toronto Sunday, departing after the top of the fourth inning with back spasms. Andy Phillips replaced him.

Jaret Wright, nyy

Wright left his Sunday start against the Toronto Blue Jays in the third inning after being struck by a broken bat. The bat of Jays first baseman Eric Hinske broke as he grounded out to first. Wright tried to brace himself, but he stepped right in the path of the barrel, which bruised and cut his right elbow. Wright tested his arm by throwing some warmup pitches, but was replaced by Al Leiter.

9/17/2005

Mike Mussina, nyy

Mussina said he felt fine after throwing 100 pitches in a bullpen session on Friday. Barring any setbacks, the righthander could return to the Yankees' rotation on Thursday.

9/16/2005

Tino Martinez, nyy

Martinez made his first appearance since August 31 on Thursday, entering the Yankees' 9-5 win over Tampa Bay as a defensive replacement and getting an at-bat. The Yankees' first baseman grounded to short in the ninth inning.

9/15/2005

Johnny Damon, nyy

After Gabe Kapler went down Wednesday with a season-ending Achilles injury, Damon is looking to return to the Boston outfield on Thursday. The Red Sox' center fielder found out Wednesday that there is no structural damage to his ailing left shoulder, and he is likely to play if the pain is within reason. Damon hasn't appeared in a game since Sunday.

9/14/2005

Tino Martinez, nyy

Out since August 31 with a nagging ribcage injury, Martinez took batting practice for the first time on Tuesday. The Yankees' first baseman said he's probably ready to pinch-hit, but he's not ready to return to the New York lineup.

Mike Mussina, nyy

After playing catch on three straight days, Mussina worked his first bullpen session Tuesday since he was sidelined by elbow discomfort. He threw 43 pitches with his right elbow wrapped. If he feels good on Wednesday, he'll have another bullpen session on Friday.

Johnny Damon, nyy

The MRI exam of Damon's ailing left shoulder revealed there is no structural damage. The Red Sox' center fielder has been playing with discomfort since injuring the shoulder on a slide against Baltimore on September 4. He played four straight days with the injury last week, but hasn't made an appearance since Sunday.

9/13/2005

Johnny Damon, nyy

The Boston Red Sox were ready to return Damon to center field on Monday, but the pain in his left shoulder was too much and he was a late scratch before their game against Toronto. Damon anticipated playing through the discomfort, but he had to sit for a second time in three days -- and for the third time in eight days.

9/12/2005

Gary Sheffield, nyy

Sheffield missed a fourth straight game Sunday with a left thigh injury that continues to linger. He's likely to do some pinch-hitting for the Yankees before he returns to the starting lineup.

Randy Johnson, nyy

On Sunday, Johnson enjoyed one of his more dominating performances. The Yankees' southpaw limited the Boston Red Sox to one hit and a pair of walks over seven innings, as New York claimed the rubber game of the three-game set, 1-0. Calling on a fastball that touched 99 MPH, Johnson fanned eight and made Jason Giambi's first-inning home run stand up.

Mike Mussina, nyy

Mussina played catch for the third consecutive day on Sunday, and the Yankees' righthander didn't have any trouble with his elbow. He will work a full bullpen session or a simulated game on Thursday or Friday, setting him up for a start five days after that. A return against Baltimore on September 20 or 21 is the plan if Mussina doesn't experience a setback.

Johnny Damon, nyy

Bothered by a left shoulder injury he suffered a week ago Sunday, Damon returned to the Boston lineup on Sunday as the team's designated hitter. That doesn't guarantee that the Red Sox' leadoff man will return to center field on Monday. The shoulder discomfort continues, and Damon may DH again against Toronto in the first game of a three-game set in Canada.

9/10/2005

Gary Sheffield, nyy

Sheffield was out of the starting lineup for the third straight game Saturday. The Yankees' outfielder suffered a left thigh injury in Wednesday's game against Tampa Bay. Manager Joe Torre said Sheffield would return to action first as a pinch-hitter, then as a designated hitter before returning to the New York outfield.

Mike Mussina, nyy

Mussina is scheduled to play catch for a second straight day on Saturday. If all goes well, the Yankees' starter intends to throw a bullpen session on Tuesday with the expectation of returning to the team's rotation during the final homestand of the year, which runs September 19-25.

Johnny Damon, nyy

Damon was not in the Red Sox' starting lineup on Saturday, sitting out with a sore left shoulder. The outfielder has been playing through discomfort since injuring the shoulder on a slide during last Sunday's game against Baltimore. He received a cortisone shot following Friday's loss to the Yankees. Damon is considered day-to-day.

Jorge Posada, nyy

Posada was out of the starting lineup Saturday after the catcher jammed his shoulder in a home-plate collision with Boston's Jason Varitek in the third inning of Friday night's game. The injury is not considered serious, and Posada should be back on the field with the Yankees within the next couple of days.

9/9/2005

Gary Sheffield, nyy

Sheffield left the Yankees' Wednesday win over Tampa Bay with a strained thigh muscle. The injury hasn't worsened, and Sheffield is being treated with anti-inflammatories. He hopes to be New York's designated hitter against Boston on Friday night at Yankee Stadium.

Tino Martinez, nyy

Martinez has been slow to heal from his ribcage injury. The Yankees' first baseman was expected back early this week, and now it's unlikely he will be ready to face Boston during this weekend's series at Yankee Stadium. Martinez may try hitting off a tee on Friday before the Yanks-Red Sox opener.

9/7/2005

Johnny Damon, nyy

Despite a sore shoulder and a host of other minor ailments, Damon returned to the Boston lineup on Tuesday and had three hits in five trips to the plate. The Red Sox' leadoff man has hit safely in all five games he has played in September, going 8-for-21 (.381).

Chien-Ming Wang, nyy

Activated from the disabled list on Tuesday, Wang is scheduled to start for New York on Thursday, when the Yankees host Tampa Bay at Yankee Stadium. Wang, who made his last big league start on July 8 because of shoulder inflammation, is 6-3 with a 3.89 ERA in 12 starts and a relief appearance.

9/6/2005

Chien-Ming Wang, nyy

On Tuesday, the Yankees activated Wang from the 15-day disabled list. The rookie righthander had been on the DL since July 9 with right shoulder inflammation. It's uncertain that Wang will return to New York's starting rotation. He may be asked to help in the bullpen for the stretch run.

9/5/2005

Johnny Damon, nyy

Damon will miss Boston's Monday makeup game against the Chicago White Sox at Fenway, as he will sit with a sore shoulder. Early in the week he suffered a bruised left hand when he was hit by a pitch, and he also banged his elbow late in Sunday's win over Baltimore.

Jaret Wright, nyy

Wright said that he felt fine after a bullpen session Sunday and that he expected to start Wednesday against Tampa Bay. The Yankees' righthander was struck in the collarbone and neck by a line drive during last Thursday's start against Seattle.

Koyie Hill, nyy

The Arizona Diamondbacks recalled Hill over the weekend. The catching prospect batted .244 with five homers and 26 RBI in 50 games for Triple-A Tucson. In 31 games for the Diamondbacks this season, he is hitting .227 with four doubles and six RBI in 66 at-bats.

Darrell Rasner, nyy

The Washington Nationals recalled Rasner from Double-A Harrisburg on Monday, in order to have the 24-year-old righthander make his major league debut as the starter against Florida on Tuesday. Rasner was 6-7 with a 3.59 ERA in 26 starts and a relief appearance at Harrisburg.

9/4/2005

Mike Mussina, nyy

Mussina has been diagnosed with tendinitis in his right elbow, and the Yankees' righthander said he expects to miss at least a couple of weeks. He also said there is a possibility that he could be shut down for the rest of the regular season. For now, the team will continue to evaluate him on a start-by-start basis.

9/2/2005

Tino Martinez, nyy

Martinez will be out of the New York Yankees' lineup for a few days with a ribcage strain he suffered on Wednesday against Seattle. It's uncertain he will play in any of the Yankees' contests in Oakland this weekend.

Jaret Wright, nyy

In the sixth inning of Seattle's 5-1 win over the New York Yankees Thursday, Wright was struck by a line shot off the bat of Raul Ibanez on the right collarbone and the right side of his neck. The Yankees' righthander was forced to leave the game.

9/1/2005

Kevin Brown, nyy

The New York Yankees moved Brown to the 60-day disabled list Thursday, all but ending his 2005 season. He went on the DL on July 28 with a lumbar strain, a move that was made retroactive to July 24.

Ramiro Mendoza, nyy

Mendoza, who underwent shoulder surgery in January, was recalled by the New York Yankees on Thursday. The long-time Yankees setup man will make his 2005 debut in September.

Sidney Ponson, nyy

The Baltimore Orioles released Ponson on Thursday, contending that his troubles with alcohol and the law are grounds for voiding his contract. Out with a strained calf muscle and torn ligament in his right thumb since early August, the 28-year-old righthander was activated from the disabled list and cut loose. He was 7-11 with a 6.21 ERA for the Orioles this year.

8/31/2005

Mike Mussina, nyy

Mussina will miss his next start with slight inflammation in his right elbow. It has bothered him on and off this season, but the Yankees' righthander has been able to pitch through it so far. He is coming off his shortest outing of the year, throwing just 64 pitches in three innings while giving up four earned runs to Seattle on Monday. Aaron Small is projected to take his spot on Sunday, but that may change should the Yankees find another alternative.

Felix Escalona, nyy

To make room for Mark Bellhorn, who was signed by New York this week, the Yankees optioned Escalona to Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday. Escalona was 3-for-12 (.250) with a double and two RBI in seven games for New York.

8/30/2005

Alex Rodriguez, nyy

A tight right groin muscle forced Rodriguez out of New York's 7-4 Monday night win over Seattle after eight innings. The Yankees' third baseman has been bothered by the groin muscle recently, but manager Joe Torre said after the game that A-Rod probably would be ready to return Tuesday.

Jason Giambi, nyy

For a second straight day on Monday, Giambi powered two homers in a New York Yankees victory. The Yankees' designated hitter drove in four runs in New York's 7-4 win over Seattle, giving him four dingers and 11 RBI over the last two days. For the season, Giambi is batting .277 with 25 longballs and 64 RBI.

Johnny Damon, nyy

Damon is likely to miss a couple of games after being hit by a pitch that generated a bruise on his left hand Monday night. The Red Sox' center fielder is banged up and was due a day off anyway. He probably will get at least two days of rest while allowing the hand to heal. X-rays were negative.

Chien-Ming Wang, nyy

Rehabbing a shoulder strain that included significant inflammation, Wang pitched three innings for Triple-A Columbus on Monday, giving up one run on two hits, walking one and striking out three. The 25-year-old rookie will make at least one more rehab start before returning to the Yankees' rotation. He is 6-3 with a 3.89 ERA in 12 starts and a relief appearance for New York.

8/29/2005

Jason Giambi, nyy

Giambi tied a career high with seven RBI in a game on Sunday against Kansas City. The Yankees' slugger had two home runs and a single, which helped him pass two milestones in his career. The 11-year veteran now has more than 1,500 hits and 1,000 RBI in his career with the A's and Yankees.

Cory Lidle, nyy

Lidle couldn't avoid a trip to the disabled list. The Philadelphia Phillies put the 33-year-old righthander on the DL Sunday with a muscle strain in his left side. He is 9-10 with a 4.75 ERA and one complete game in 26 starts this season.

Craig Wilson, nyy

The Pittsburgh Pirates activated Wilson from the disabled list Sunday, six weeks after breaking the pinkie finger on his left hand. His return marks the end of his second lengthy stay on the DL, as the utilityman missed more than two months early in the year, following surgery to repair torn tissue under the knuckle of the middle finger on the same hand.

Scott Proctor, nyy

The New York Yankees returned Proctor to Triple-A Columbus over the weekend, in order to make room for newly acquired outfielder Matt Lawton. Proctor has posted a 4.50 ERA in 19 relief appearances and a start for the Yankees in 2005.

8/26/2005

Aaron Guiel, nyy

Guiel was recalled from Triple-A Omaha, as the Royals placed second baseman Donnie Murphy on the 15-day disabled list..

8/25/2005

Cory Lidle, nyy

According to Phillies manager Charlie Manuel, Lidle likely will miss up to two weeks after straining a muscle in his left side in Wednesday's victory over the San Francisco Giants. He will receive treatment and be evaluated on a daily basis. In 26 starts this season, Lidle is 9-10 with a 4.75 ERA and one complete game.

Sidney Ponson, nyy

Ponson continues to run afoul of the law off the field. He was arrested early this morning on a drunken driving charge on I-95 outside of Baltimore.

Craig Wilson, nyy

Wilson has been taking batting practice and fielding grounders over the past couple of days, as he continues to recover from a broken pinkie finger on his left hand. The Pirates plan to bring the utilityman along slowly, and he likely won't be activated from the 15-day disabled list until rosters expand on September 1, according to manager Lloyd McClendon.

8/23/2005

Derek Jeter, nyy

Jeter missed Monday's game against Toronto due to a slightly jammed thumb he hurt on Saturday. He played in Sunday's game, but manager Joe Torre gave the Yankee shortstop the day off to rest the injury. This was only the third game Jeter has missed all season and he will likely be back on Tuesday.

Jaret Wright, nyy

In his second start since returning from the disabled list, Wright was outstanding as he threw seven shutout innings against the Blue Jays. He allowed four hits and three walks, while striking out five to improve his record to 4-2.

8/20/2005

Jason Giambi, nyy

Giambi left in the sixth inning of Saturday's win over the Chicgo White sox with a bruised right calf.

8/17/2005

Kevin Brown, nyy

Brown is making solid progress in rehabbing his back under the care of specialist Dr. Robert Watkins. The news opens the door to the possibility that Brown may return to the New York Yankees before the 2005 campaign comes to a close.

Sidney Ponson, nyy

Ponson threw a bullpen session on Tuesday and still reported pain in his tender calf muscle, making it unlikely that he will come off the disabled list when eligible on August 24. The Orioles have two days off in the next week, so it's easier to be conservative with the 28-year-old righthander, who is 7-11 with a 6.21 ERA in 23 starts this season.

8/15/2005

Johnny Damon, nyy

Damon sat out Boston's win over Chicago Saturday, as well as Sunday's start, which ended in a rainout. The Boston leadoff man didn't play because of a minor hamstring tweak. He is expected to return to the Red Sox' lineup in Detroit on Monday.

Jaret Wright, nyy

In his first start in nearly four months, Wright returns to the New York Yankees' rotation Monday night to face the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The Yankees' righthander has been on the disabled list since April 24, one day after leaving a start against Texas because of pain and inflammation in his throwing shoulder.

8/13/2005

Mariano Rivera, nyy

Rivera was unable to protect the Yankees' two-run lead in the ninth inning Saturday, snapping his streak of consecutive saves at 31. The Yankees did go on to beat the Texas Rangers in extra innings, however.

Koyie Hill, nyy

After being recalled on July 20, the Diamondbacks have sent Hill back down to Triple-A Tucson. Hill had been called up to help with the catching duties while Kelly Stinnett nursed a strained tendon. With Stinnett coming back, the team no longer needed Hill as a replacement.

8/12/2005

Johnny Damon, nyy

With one hit in Boston's wild 9-8 win over the White Sox on Friday night, Damon has a 15-game hitting streak. He managed only a sixth-inning single in five trips while his Red Sox teammates pounded out another dozen against a Chicago pitching staff that has been very stingy. Still, Damon is batting .354 (23-for-65) with 13 runs scored during his 15-game run.

8/11/2005

Kevin Brown, nyy

Brown is currently at his home in Georgia, working with a physical therapist on strengthening his back. Diagnosed with a lumbar strain and placed on the DL on July 28, Brown is not yet pitching. Next week he will be re-evaluated by specialist Dr. Robert Watkins.

Randy Johnson, nyy

Johnson, who was scratched from his start on Thursday with an inflamed lumbar spine, may not be slotted into the rotation when his next turn comes up on Tuesday against the Devil Rays. It's more likely that Johnson will work on Wednesday against Tampa Bay, or possibly next Friday in Chicago against the White Sox.

Johnny Damon, nyy

When Boston faces White Sox ace Mark Buehrle at Fenway Park on Friday, Damon will be putting a 14-game hitting streak on the line. He's nearly halfway to matching his 29-game streak that stalled in mid-July, and during his current run, he's a .367 hitter (22-for-60) with 13 runs scored in 14 games.

Chien-Ming Wang, nyy

Wang, who has been out of the Yankees' rotation for a month, threw off flat ground from 120 feet on Tuesday. Rehabbing a shoulder strain that included significant inflammation, the 25-year-old righthander should work off a mound sometime next week. It's conceivable he will return to the Yankees before the end of the regular season.

8/10/2005

Ramiro Mendoza, nyy

Mendoza is inching closer to a return to major league action, following shoulder surgery in January. The veteran reliever, who has returned to the New York Yankees, allowed one unearned run and two hits in two innings for the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Yankees in his second minor league rehab start. He gave up one hit over three scoreless innings in a GCL game last Friday. Mendoza could rejoin the Yankees' bullpen later in August.

Jaret Wright, nyy

Wright allowed two runs and seven hits over six innings in his third minor league rehab start for high Class-A Tampa on Tuesday. The Yankees' righthander threw 103 pitches during his outing, and manager Joe Torre believes he may be ready to take the mound against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on Monday.

Carl Pavano, nyy

Pavano will be missing from the Yankees' rotation for at least six more weeks. Dr. James Andrews and team physician Stuart Hershon agreed Wednesday that the righthander has rotator cuff tendinitis, which is causing pain in his humerus, the long bone extending from the shoulder to the elbow.

Kyle Farnsworth, nyy

Farnsworth dropped his appeal of a five-game suspension for body slamming Royals pitcher Jeremy Affeldt in a game last month, and the Braves' reliever began serving the penalty on Tuesday. Battling a sore back, Farnsworth was expected to miss a few games this week, so he decided to get the suspension out of the way at the same time.

Scott Proctor, nyy

Proctor will start on Thursday against the visiting Texas Rangers. The only thing keeping the 28-year-old righthander from being the Yankees' announced starter was the possibility that he might have to pitch on Wednesday. He didn't work New York's 2-1 10-inning loss to the White Sox, so he'll be the first of a likely string of relievers who will face the Texas Rangers in the opener of a four-game set.

8/9/2005

Randy Johnson, nyy

Johnson definitely is out as the Yankees' starter on Thursday against Texas. Righthanders Scott Proctor and Jorge De Paula, who is 3-2 with a 5.00 ERA in 17 starts at Triple-A Columbus, are the leading candidates to face the Rangers.

Bernie Williams, nyy

Williams was much better Monday, after being unable to lift his arm Sunday morning, the day after jamming his right shoulder on a sliding catch against Toronto. Still, the Yankees' center fielder was unable to generate any pop swinging from either side of the plate during some time in the cage on Monday. He wasn't in the lineup against the White Sox Monday night, giving way to Tony Womack in center.

Kelly Stinnett, nyy

Stinnett has been activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Arizona Diamondbacks in time for the start of Tuesday's game against the Florida Marlins. The catcher had been sidelined since straining a tendon in his left wrist on a checked swing in a game against the Marlins on July 18. He will split time behind the plate with Chris Snyder and Koyie Hill.

Sidney Ponson, nyy

Ponson was placed on the 15-day disabled list, having suffered a strained right calf last Sunday while covering first base defensively against the Texas Rangers. Since last winning on June 18, he has gone 0-7 in his last nine starts, with a 8.44 ERA.

Felix Escalona, nyy

Before Monday's game with the Chicago White Sox, the New York recalled Escalona to provide more backup support for the left side of the infield. To make room for Escalona, the Yankees optioned Andy Phillips to Triple-A Columbus. Escalona was batting .274 with seven home runs and 42 RBI in 85 games at Columbus.

Andy Phillips, nyy

To provide more backup support for the left side of their infield, the New York Yankees recalled Felix Escalona and optioned Phillips to Triple-A Columbus. Phillips was 6-for-36 (.167) with six runs scored in 16 games with New York. He has fanned 11 times.

8/8/2005

Bernie Williams, nyy

On Saturday, Williams jammed his right shoulder making a sliding catch on a ball hit by Toronto's Reed Johnson late in New York's loss to the Jays. Stiffness in the shoulder kept Williams from playing for the Yankees on Sunday.

8/7/2005

Randy Johnson, nyy

Johnson's next start for the New York Yankees is up in the air after the ace lefthander suffered back spasms during his Saturday outing against Toronto. In the fourth inning, Johnson started having back spasms while covering first base on a play in the infield, and he left New York's 8-5 loss in the fifth.

Carl Pavano, nyy

Pavano will skip his next minor league rehab start and have his injured right shoulder examined by specialist Dr. James Andrews. The Yankees' righthander "just felt his shoulder didn't feel right," according to skipper Joe Torre, who noted that Pavano has been concerned that he hasn't been able to elevate his game to where it was last year.

Sidney Ponson, nyy

Ponson left in the third inning of Baltimore's 9-3 loss to Texas Sunday with a right calf strain. He hurt himself covering first base on a grounder off the bat of Gary Matthews Jr. in the second. He left with the Orioles down 2-0.

8/6/2005

Carl Pavano, nyy

There has been a change of plans. The Yankees have decided to give Pavano one more rehab start in the minors before returning him to the New York rotation. That minor league start probably will be Monday, which pushes back his possible return to the Yankees until the weekend of August 13-14 at the earliest.

8/5/2005

Bobby Abreu, nyy

Abreu took a Mark Prior pitch deep in the first inning of Thursday's victory over the Chicago Cubs to notch the fifth grand slam of his major league career. The Phillies' outfielder, who won the Home Run Derby at the All-Star break last month, had had failed to clear the fence since July 4, a 25-game homerless streak.

Jaret Wright, nyy

Making his second minor league rehab start Thursday for high Class-A Tampa in the Florida State League, Wright allowed no runs and just two hits over six innings. He struck out eight without walking a batter.

Carl Pavano, nyy

After throwing 77 pitches over six innings in a high Class-A Florida State League game Tuesday night, Pavano is ready to return to the New York rotation. The 29-year-old righthander, who hasn't pitched for the Yankees since June 27 because of shoulder tendinitis, is expected to return against the White Sox on Tuesday at Yankee Stadium. In 17 starts this season, the righthander is 4-6 with a 4.77 ERA.

Craig Wilson, nyy

Wilson's broken left pinkie finger continues to heal on schedule, but according to Pirates manager Lloyd McClendon, the outfielder/first baseman likely won't be back in the lineup until at least early September. It's been a rough season for Wilson, who missed more than two months earlier this year while recovering from surgery to repair torn tissue under the knuckle of middle finger on the same hand.

8/2/2005

Bernie Williams, nyy

The New York Yankees have decided not to pick up the $15 million club option for next season on Williams. The center fielder's contract called for a decision on the option by August 1, and both sides seemed to agree that Tuesday's move was not the final word about the 36-year-old veteran's future with the club.

Brian Bruney, nyy

Bruney's grip on Arizona's ninth-inning duties seems to be slipping after the 23-year-old righthander allowed two ninth-inning runs to the Chicago Cubs on Friday, costing him a save and sticking him with a loss. On Saturday, Arizona skipper Bob Melvin turned to Greg Aquino, who worked two innings to secure his first save of 2005.

8/1/2005

Jason Giambi, nyy

The home-run tear continues for Giambi, who homered twice in the Yankees' win over the Angels on Sunday. It was the third two-homer game of the second half for the Yankees' designated hitter, who has batted .320 (16-for-50) with nine home runs, 14 runs scored and 14 RBI in 17 games since the All-Star break.

7/31/2005

Kevin Brown, nyy

Brown visited back specialist Dr. Robert Watkins in Los Angeles on Friday, and Watkins concurred with the diagnosis of a lumbar strain by team physician Stuart Hershon. The 40-year-old righthander will begin a rehab program on his balky back immediately, and his injury will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

Ron Villone, nyy

The Florida Marlins acquired reliever Ron Villone from Seattle in exchange for two minor league pitchers on Sunday, bolstering their bullpen shortly before baseball's July 31 trade deadline. This season Villone was 2-3 with a save, a 2.45 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 40.1 innings for the Mariners.

Carl Pavano, nyy

Pavano will make another rehab start on Wednesday before he returns to the New York rotation. The Yankees would like to see their righthander push his pitch count to 70 or 80 before a possible return to the Yankees on Monday, August 8, against the Chicago White Sox.

Kyle Farnsworth, nyy

The Atlanta Braves added a veteran arm to their bullpen Sunday, acquiring Farnsworth from the Detroit Tigers for promising righthanders Roman Colon and Zach Miner. Farnsworth had assumed closer duties in Detroit recently, and the hard-throwing righty departs with a 1-1 record, six saves, a 2.32 ERA and 55 strikeouts in 42.2 innings.

7/30/2005

Jaret Wright, nyy

Wright made his first minor league rehabilitation start on Saturday, allowing two runs and four hits in 2.1 innings while pitching for the Yankees' Gulf Coast League affiliate. Wright reported no problems with his shoulder after the 65-pitch outing.

Sidney Ponson, nyy

Ponson bruised his right thumb during his Thursday start, when the Orioles' righthander was struck by a line drive off the bat of Sandy Alomar in Baltimore's 2-1 loss to Texas. Ponson, who is 7-9 with a 5.80 ERA this season, immediately left the game.

7/29/2005

Scott Erickson, nyy

The Los Angeles Dodgers designated Erickson for assignment Friday. The veteran righthander pitched in the Dodgers' rotation early in the season, but he struggled and was moved to the bullpen. The numbers suggest he was faring better in July, but the Dodgers have cut him loose to make room for 21-year-old pitching prospect Jonathan Broxton.

7/28/2005

Kevin Brown, nyy

After their 6-3 win over the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, the Yankees placed Brown on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Sunday, with a strained back. The 40-year-old righthander begins his third DL stint of 2005 for his balky back. He missed the start of the season on the DL, returned in mid-April, but went back on the DL for a month on June 18.

7/27/2005

Kevin Brown, nyy

The New York Daily News is reporting that an examination of Brown's troublesome back by a specialist was unfavorable, and that he will be out indefinitely.

Randy Johnson, nyy

Johnson turned in a vintage performance against the Minnesota Twins Tuesday night, twirling eight innings of two-hit shutout ball and striking out 11 while walking none in a 4-0 victory. He took a no-hitter two outs into the sixth until Juan Castro singled to break it up.

7/26/2005

Kevin Brown, nyy

With his back still ailing, Brown will miss his scheduled start Thursday against the Minnesota Twins.

Jason Giambi, nyy

Going into the Yankees' series against Minnesota Tuesday, Giambi has five home runs in his last five games. His other hit is a double, as the Yankees' designated hitter is 6-for-16 (.375) with seven RBI in those five games.

Cory Lidle, nyy

After leaving the team over the weekend to tend to some personal issues, Lidle was back on the mound for Monday's meeting with the Houston Astros. The righthander lasted just five innings in the 7-1 loss, allowing seven runs -- five earned -- on seven hits, including five home runs. He struck out two and did not walk a batter.

Jaret Wright, nyy

Wright threw 51 pitches in a simulated game Monday, and is scheduled to make his first rehab start Saturday for the Yankees' Gulf Coast League affiliate.

Carl Pavano, nyy

Pavano's proposed minor league rehab start was pushed back a day to Wednesday, meaning that he will not start against the Angels this Saturday.

7/25/2005

Carl Pavano, nyy

Pavano has been working in the bullpen regularly, and he threw a bullpen session in Tampa on Sunday. The 29-year-old righthander will throw 50 pitches in a minor league rehab outing on Tuesday, followed by another bullpen session Thursday. If all goes well, Pavano will return to the Yankees' rotation Saturday for a start against the Angels at Yankee Stadium.

7/23/2005

Sidney Ponson, nyy

The Baltimore Orioles are discussing a trade that would send Ponson to the San Diego Padres in exchange for Phil Nevin. However, the deal cannot be made unless Nevin agrees to waive his limited no-trade clause, which he had not done as of Saturday afternoon.

7/22/2005

Randy Johnson, nyy

Johnson enjoyed a solid six innings against the Angels on Thursday night, but left with a 3-2 lead after he tweaked his back on the mound. Yankees manager Joe Torre said Johnson seemed to be favoring his back and he didn't want to take any chances with his ace. The injury doesn't appear to be serious, and the 41-year-old lefthander isn't expected to miss his next start.

Cory Lidle, nyy

Lidle has left the Philadelphia Phillies to tend to some personal issues, but the team is hopeful that he will be back in time to make his scheduled start against the Houston Astros on Monday. Specifics were not released, but the righthander obviously has been bothered by something recently, giving up 14 runs on 19 hits in his last two starts (7.1 innings).

Kyle Farnsworth, nyy

On Thursday, Major League Baseball fined and suspended Farnsworth for six games for tackling Royals reliever Jeremy Affeldt during Sunday's bench-clearing scuffle between Detroit and Kansas City. The Tigers' closer can hold off on serving his suspension by filing an appeal, and he plans to do that. The righthander is 1-1 with three saves and a 2.50 ERA in 43 games this season.

Jesus Colome, nyy

After nearly six weeks on the disabled list for shoulder inflammation, Colome was activated by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on Friday. The 27-year-old righthander has been on the DL twice for his throwing shoulder, and he's 1-2 with a 7.16 ERA in 14 relief appearances this season.

7/21/2005

Kyle Farnsworth, nyy

A week after assuming Detroit's closer role, Farnsworth allowed his first earned runs since June 19 on Wednesday. He gave up three ninth-inning runs on two hits and three walks before leaving with two outs and Detroit clinging to an 8-6 lead over the Chicago White Sox. Farnsworth left with a stiff neck, and Craig Dingman came on and recorded the last out for the save.

7/20/2005

Kelly Stinnett, nyy

Stinnett strained a tendon in his left wrist on a checked swing in the eighth inning of Monday's game against the Florida Marlins, and the injury has landed him on the 15-day disabled list. The Diamondbacks' catcher will take at least five days off before being re-evaluated. Koyie Hill has been recalled to fill the void on the roster.

Koyie Hill, nyy

Hill has been recalled from Triple-A Tucson by the Arizona Diamondbacks, replacing fellow catcher Kelly Stinnett, who is out for the next couple of weeks with a strained tendon in his wrist. Hill began the 2005 campaign with the Diamondbacks, but hit just .212 with 18 strikeouts in 56 at-bats and was demoted to the minor league club in May.

Andy Phillips, nyy

On Tuesday, the New York Yankees placed Ruben Sierra on the 15-day disabled list and recalled Phillips to take his spot on the 25-man roster. This is the fourth time the infielder has been summoned from Triple-A Columbus, where he was batting .313 with 18 homers, 46 RBI and 46 runs scored in 55 games. In 14 games with the Yankees, he is 5-for-32 (.156) with four doubles, a homer and six runs scored.

7/19/2005

Kevin Brown, nyy

Brown's first start in nearly a month wasn't pretty, as the 40-year-old righthander was hit hard and allowed 10 hits (including two homers) and six runs over 4.1 innings against Texas on Monday. The veteran was returning from a back ailment. He didn't absorb a loss, as the Yankees secured an 11-10 victory over the Rangers. Brown is 4-6 with a 5.91 ERA in 12 starts this season. He's given up 101 hits in 70 innings, as opponents have batted .338 against him.

Johnny Damon, nyy

Damon's hitting streak stalled at 29 games on Monday. Boston's leadoff man went 0-for-5 and made the final out of the game in a 3-1 loss to Tampa Bay. Kazmir and three Tampa Bay relievers held the Red Sox to three hits, and Damon didn't get one, despite scoring his team's only run.

Bubba Crosby, nyy

On Monday, Crosby was recalled for his fourth stint on the New York Yankees' roster. The outfielder has gone 4-for-17 (.235) with five runs scored in 23 games for the Yankees.

Chien-Ming Wang, nyy

Wang received some good news Monday, when Dr. James Andrews diagnosed the Yankees' rookie with inflammation and a shoulder strain. The Yankees feared a serious injury that could shut him down for the season, and now there's some hope that won't happen. The 25-year-old rookie, who went on the disabled list Wednesday, is 6-3 with a 3.89 ERA in 12 starts and a relief appearance for New York.

7/18/2005

Kevin Brown, nyy

The New York Yankees activated Brown from the disabled list Monday, in time to start the evening's contest against the Texas Rangers. Brown is returning from a back ailment that landed him on the DL exactly a month ago on June 18. He is 5-6 with a 5.48 ERA for the Yankees this season.

Aaron Small, nyy

On Sunday, the New York Yankees recalled Small from Triple-A Columbus, where the 33-year-old righthander was 1-4 with a 4.96 ERA in 11 games this season. He also won his only start for Double-A Trenton. Small missed about six weeks with a groin injury earlier in the season.

Johnny Damon, nyy

Damon's hitting streak reached 29 games on Sunday. The Boston center fielder was 1-for-5 against the Yankees in Sunday's series finale, and he's batting .348 with 26 runs scored during the streak. For the season, he is hitting .342 with four home runs, 44 RBI, 10 stolen bases and 68 runs scored in 85 games.

Russ Johnson, nyy

On Sunday, the New York Yankees designated Johnson for assignment, in order to make room for Wednesday's starter, Aaron Small. Johnson was 4-for-18 (.222) with two doubles and five runs scored in 22 games for New York.

Melky Cabrera, nyy

To open up a roster spot for the Yankees' Monday starter, Kevin Brown, New York optioned Cabrera to Triple-A Columbus on Sunday. The 20-year-old, switch-hitting outfielder was 4-for-19 (.211) with a run scored in his first major league stint.

7/17/2005

Johnny Damon, nyy

Damon extended his hitting streak to 28 games by singling in the sixth inning of Saturday's loss to the New York Yankees. It was the only hit of the game for the Red Sox' outfielder, who finished 1-for-4 with a walk and strikeout. For the season, he is batting .344 with four home runs, 44 RBI, 10 stolen bases and 68 runs scored in 84 games.

Carl Pavano, nyy

Pavano, who has been sidelined since June 27 with tendinitis and inflammation in his pitching shoulder, made about 55 throws during a bullpen session on Saturday and reported no major problems. As long as his arm feels good on Sunday, the Yankees' righthander is expected to face hitters during batting practice on Sunday.

Craig Wilson, nyy

Tests have revealed that Wilson has a broken pinkie finger on his left hand, the result of being plunked by a Greg Maddux pitch in Saturday's game against the Chicago Cubs. The outfielder/first baseman recently returned to the Pirates' active roster after missing more than two months while recovering from surgery to repair torn tissue under the knuckle of middle finger on the same hand. He will be placed back on the 15-day disabled list on Sunday.

7/16/2005

Kevin Brown, nyy

Brown will rejoin the Yankees' rotation Monday, named as the starter for the contest against the Texas Rangers. Brown reported no problems with his back Saturday, one day after throwing 69 pitches off a mound as part of his rehab program. Brown, who has had chronic back trouble, went on the disabled list for the 13th time in his career on June 18.

Al Leiter, nyy

Leiter has been traded to the New York Yankees and will be the starting pitcher when the Yanks take on the Boston Red Sox Sunday. Terms of the trade have not yet been announced, but the Yankees are expected to pick up most, if not all, of the pitcher's remaining salary for this season.

Craig Wilson, nyy

Wilson left Saturday's game with a contusion on his left hand after being hit by a pitch in the first inning by Cubs starter Greg Maddux. Jason Bay moved over to left field from center to replace Wilson, with Tike Redman coming into the contest to ply CF.

7/15/2005

Kevin Brown, nyy

Brown will work another bullpen session Friday, and if all goes well, the 40-year-old righthander could return to the Yankees' rotation as soon as Monday. How Brown does on Friday will determine the Yankees' course of action. In 11 starts this season, the veteran is 4-6 with a 5.48 ERA.

Alex Rodriguez, nyy

Rodriguez greeted Boston hurler Curt Schilling with a game-winning, two-run homer in the ninth inning on Thursday, securing an 8-6 Yankees victory over the Red Sox. The longball was the 24th of A-Rod's season.

Johnny Damon, nyy

Damon hit safely in the first game following the All-Star break, giving the Boston center fielder a 26-game hitting streak. He is batting .345 during the streak, and his average for the season has inched up to .341. The leadoff man has scored 66 runs in 82 games in 2005.

Chien-Ming Wang, nyy

The shoulder inflammation that forced Wang onto the disabled list Wednesday will have the 25-year-old righthander visiting Dr. Jame Andrews on Monday. The New York Yankees obviously believe the injury is serious enough to send Wang to a specialist, though the team is not revealing specifics of what it fears is wrong. There is speculation that Wang's season is over.

Chien-Ming Wang, nyy

The shoulder inflammation that forced Wang onto the disabled list Wednesday will have the 25-year-old righthander visiting Dr. James Andrews on Monday. The New York Yankees obviously believe the injury is serious enough to send Wang to a specialist, though the team is not revealing specifics of what it fears is wrong. There is speculation that Wang's season is over.

7/14/2005

Al Leiter, nyy

The Florida Marlins designated Leiter for assignment Thursday, possibly marking the end of his 19-year career. The 39-year-old lefthander went 3-7 with a 6.64 ERA in 16 starts and a relief appearance. Battling control problems all season, he gave up 88 hits and walked 60 in 80 innings.

Kyle Farnsworth, nyy

Farnsworth is set to assume closer duties after the Detroit Tigers placed Troy Percival on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with a partial tear of the right flexor pronator muscle mass. Farnsworth has been impressive this season, posting a 1-1 record, a save and a 1.95 ERA in his best performance since a solid 2002 campaign with the Chicago Cubs.

Chien-Ming Wang, nyy

Wang, who was recalled to replace the injured Kevin Brown, has joined the ranks of the injured himself. The New York Yankees have placed the 25-year-old righthander on the 15-day disabled list with inflammation of the right shoulder, retroactive to June 9. He was 6-3 with a 3.89 ERA in 12 starts and a relief appearance for New York.

Chien-Ming Wang, nyy

Wang, who was recalled to replace the injured Kevin Brown, has joined the ranks of the injured himself. The New York Yankees have placed the 25-year-old righthander on the 15-day disabled list with inflammation of the right shoulder, retroactive to June 9. He is 6-3 with a 3.89 ERA in 12 starts and a relief appearance for New York.

7/12/2005

Bobby Abreu, nyy

In 71 swings over three rounds, Abreu belted a record 41 homers in Monday's Home Run Derby to take home the title. The Phillies' outfielder belted 24 longballs in the first round of the contest, shattering the former single-round mark of 15, set by Baltimore's Miguel Tejada in 2004. Abreu's longest homer also came in the first round, a 517-foot shot nailed to right field.

7/11/2005

Kevin Brown, nyy

Brown, who has been sidelined for nearly a month with back spasms, returned to the mound on Monday and threw about 40 pitches in 10 minutes. The session went well, and the Yankees hope the veteran righthander can return to the rotation some time within the next week or two. As long as his back does not act up, Brown will continue to expand his workouts over the next several days.

7/9/2005

Jason Giambi, nyy

Giambi left Friday night's game against the Indians with stiffness in his left hip. The Yankee first baseman believes that the injury should not keep him out of further action. Expect to see him in the lineup for Saturday's game.

Craig Wilson, nyy

The Pirates activated Wilson from the disabled list Saturday. Wilson has been on the DL since May 8 with and injured finger on his left hand. Prior to going on the DL, Wilson was batting .296 with one home run and seven RBI through 26 games.

7/8/2005

Al Leiter, nyy

After making one relief appearance last Tuesday, Leiter will return to the Marlins' rotation, with Josh Beckett landing on the disabled list.

Melky Cabrera, nyy

Cabrera made his major league debut Thursday, playing center field against the Cleveland Indians, and collecting a single in four at bats.

7/7/2005

Johnny Damon, nyy

Damon's hitting streak has reached 22 games, and he has scored 22 runs during his streak. The Red Sox' leadoff man has been doing his job in 2005. He has scored 64 runs in 78 contests.

Carl Pavano, nyy

The New York Yankees have placed Pavano on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to June 28th -- a day after his last start. The righthander underwent an MRI earlier this week to determine the cause of the discomfort in his pitching shoulder, but no structural damage was found. He will rest and rehab during the All-Star break, in hopes of being activated from the DL shortly thereafter.

Melky Cabrera, nyy

The New York Yankees have purchased Cabrera's contract from Triple-A Columbus, where he was hitting .324 with three home runs and 11 RBI in nine games. The outfielder, who is one of the organization's top prospects, began the 2005 campaign at the Double-A level, batting .267 with nine homers and 44 RBI in 75 games with Trenton. He fills the roster spot of injured starting pitcher Carl Pavano.

7/6/2005

Jason Giambi, nyy

Before the Baltimore Orioles arrived in the Bronx on Monday, Giambi had just one extra-base hit for the Yankees in his last 13 games dating back to June 17. The Yankees' designated hitter has lit up Orioles pitching the last two days, homering twice in Monday's 13-8 victory, then doubling twice and homering again in Tuesday's 12-3 win.

Johnny Damon, nyy

Damon opened Tuesday night's game against Texas with a single to extend his hitting streak to 21 games. He's a .333 hitter with 21 runs scored in his 21-game run. For the season, Damon is batting .337 with a .381 on-base percentage and 63 runs scored in 77 games.

Carl Pavano, nyy

The MRI exam of Pavano's sore right shoulder didn't reveal a serious problem, but the Yankees' righthander is questionable to start Saturday against Cleveland. If Pavano is unable to go, newly acquired lefthander Darrell May is likely to get the call and would be promoted from Triple-A Columbus.

7/5/2005

Johnny Damon, nyy

Damon's hitting streak has reached 20 games. The Boston leadoff hitter is batting .337 (31-for-92) with six doubles, two triples, three home runs, 11 RBI and 19 runs scored during his 20-game run.

Bobby Abreu, nyy

Abreu recorded the fourth grand slam of his major league career, sending a Dave Williams pitch over the right-field wall in the third inning of Monday's victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Phillies' outfielder added an RBI single later in the game to finish the day 2-for-4 with five RBI and two runs scored.

Jaret Wright, nyy

Rehabbing an ailing right shoulder since late April, Wright has been throwing on flat ground. On Tuesday, he will work his first bullpen session since he was placed on the disabled list. The Yankees hope he will be ready to return in late July.

Carl Pavano, nyy

Scratched from his scheduled start Sunday because of a sore right shoulder, Pavano will undergo tests on Tuesday, including an MRI exam. The 29-year-old righthander is scheduled to face Cleveland on Saturday in the Bronx, but the test results could force the Yankees to make changes in their rotation. More should be known about Pavano's condition in the next 24 hours. He is 4-6 with a 4.77 ERA for the Yankees this season.

7/4/2005

Johnny Damon, nyy

With a hit on Sunday against Toronto, Damon's hitting streak has reached 19 games. The Red Sox' center fielder and leadoff man is batting .345 (30-for-87) with 18 runs scored during his streak.

Sal Fasano, nyy

Fasano, who has shown excellent power since he was recalled from the minors on May 11, will be guaranteed most of the starts behind the plate after Geronimo Gil was placed on the disabled list over the weekend with a sprained thumb. Fasano is batting .259 with six home runs and nine RBI in 85 at-bats for the Orioles.

Craig Wilson, nyy

Wilson is nearing a return to the Pirates' lineup, as he is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment at Triple-A Indianapolis on Monday. The outfielder/first baseman has been sidelined since undergoing surgery in mid-May to repair torn tissue under the knuckle of middle finger on his left hand.

7/3/2005

Johnny Damon, nyy

In Boston's 6-4 win over Toronto Saturday, Damon had two hits for his fourth straight contest, extending his current hitting streak to 18 games. During his streak, the Red Sox' center fielder is hitting .354 (29-for-82) with 11 extra-base hits, 11 RBI and 17 runs scored.

7/2/2005

Miguel Cairo, nyy

The Mets activated Cairo from the 15-day disabled list on Saturday. The second baseman had been on the DL since June 15 due to a strained left hamstring. This season Cairo is batting .286 with one home run and six runs batted in through 36 games.

Miguel Cairo, nyy

The Mets activated Cairo from the 15-day disabled list on Saturday. The second baseman had been on the DL since June 15 with a strained left hamstring. This season, Cairo is batting .286 with one home run and six RBI in 36 games.

Carl Pavano, nyy

Pavano has been scratched from his scheduled start Sunday against the Detroit Tigers because of a sore pitching shoulder. Pavano is just 4-6 with a 4.77 ERA for the Yankees this season, and is winless since May 22.

6/30/2005

Gary Sheffield, nyy

Sheffield was suspended for two games and fined Thursday by the commissioner's office, for his response to a close play at first base in Sunday's game against the New York Mets. The Yankees' star was ejected after being called out at first base by umpire C.B. Bucknor. Sheffield threw his helmet after he was called out, and replays showed he appeared to beat the throw.

Johnny Damon, nyy

With his third two-hit game in four days, Damon extended his hitting streak to 16 games on Wednesday. Boston's center fielder is 25-for-74 (.338) during his streak, and he's a .339 hitter with a .383 on-base percentage in 72 games this season.

Miguel Cairo, nyy

Cairo is nearing a return to the Mets' active roster after missing more than two weeks with a strained left hamstring. The Mets' second baseman, who has been bothered by the injury most of the month, went 1-for-4 in his first game of a minor league rehab assignment with Class-A St. Lucie on Wednesday, serving as the team's designated hitter.

Bubba Crosby, nyy

The New York Yankees recalled Crosby from Triple-A Columbus Thursday after designating relievers Mike Stanton and Paul Quantrill for assignment. Crosby, who gives the Yankees another center-field option, was batting .229 with three homers and 21 RBI in 40 games for Columbus. He has gone 2-for-12 (.167) in 18 games with the Yankees this season.

Kevin Reese, nyy

With Hideki Matsui returning to the New York outfield, the Yankees returned Reese to Triple-A Columbus Wednesday after just a few days with the major league club. The 27-year-old Reese, in his first major league stay, appeared in two games and made two plate appearances. He walked and struck out.

6/29/2005

Johnny Damon, nyy

Damon had a pair of hits in Boston's loss to Cleveland Tuesday, extending his hitting streak to 15 games. The Red Sox' leadoff man is a .333 hitter (23-for-69) during his 15-game run, with eight extra-base hits, 10 RBI and 15 runs scored. He is batting .338 for the season, with a .383 on-base percentage and 57 runs scored in 71 games.

Craig Wilson, nyy

Wilson has been sidelined since undergoing surgery in mid-May to repair torn tissue under the knuckle of middle finger on his left hand. However, the Pirates' first baseman/outfielder has been throwing for three weeks and resumed swinging a bat several days ago. If he continues to progress on scheduled, a minor league rehab assignment should be in his near future.

6/28/2005

Johnny Damon, nyy

With a single in the first inning of Boston's 7-0 loss to Cleveland Monday, Damon became the first American Leaguer to reach 100 hits for the season. The safety also gave the Red Sox' center fielder a 14-game hitting streak in which he is 21-for-64 (.328) with four doubles, two triples, two homers, 10 RBI and 14 runs scored.

Hideki Matsui, nyy

Matsui returned to the New York outfield Monday night, starting in left field with Tony Womack in center. The Yankees want to keep Matsui in left only, and have Womack share center with Bernie Williams.

6/27/2005

Kevin Brown, nyy

Brown is expected to arrive at the Yankees' training complex in Tampa on Monday or Tuesday, in order to begin a rehabilitation program for his back. The 40-year-old righthander went on the disabled list with back spasms last week, and the Yankees were being cautious, keeping him from starting up activity until he was comfortable with the status of his back.

Johnny Damon, nyy

With two hits in Boston's win over Philadelphia Sunday, Damon extended his hitting streak to 13 games. The Red Sox' center fielder is batting .328 (20-for-61) during his 13-game run, with four doubles, two triples, two homers, 10 RBI and 14 runs scored. Damon is a reason Boston has gone 11-3 during his streak.

Jaret Wright, nyy

While Wright began playing catch this month, apparently he isn't making rapid progress and the New York Yankees aren't anticipating his return in the near future. Out with an ailing right shoulder, the 29-year-old righthander was transferred from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list Sunday to open a spot for outfielder Kevin Reese on the 40-man roster.

Hideki Matsui, nyy

Matsui still isn't ready to return to New York's outfield following an ankle injury he suffered two weeks ago. When he is able to make the sharp cuts involved in outfield play, the 31-year-old veteran is expected to return to left field and stay there. The Yankees are thinking about moving Tony Womack to center, which he would share with Bernie Williams.

Hideki Matsui, nyy

Matsui still hasn't returned to New York's outfield following an ankle injury he suffered two weeks ago. When he is able to make the sharp cuts involved in outfield play, the 31-year-old veteran is expected to play left field and stay there. The Yankees are thinking about moving Tony Womack to center, which he would share with Bernie Williams.

Sean Henn, nyy

Henn, filling in for injured Yankees starters lately, was optioned to Triple-A Columbus Sunday after not finishing five innings in either of his two recent starts. In three starts for New York this season, the 24-year-old southpaw is 0-3 with an 11.12 ERA. He has allowed 18 hits and 11 walks in 11.1 innings, while fanning just three.

Kevin Reese, nyy

On Sunday, the New York Yankees optioned lefthander Sean Henn to Triple-A Columbus and recalled Reese from the same affiliate. The 27-year-old Reese, an outfielder, stepped right into the Yankees' lineup Sunday, starting in left field and batting ninth. He struck out and walked before Bernie Williams pinch-hit for him in the seventh inning of the Yankees' 5-4 come-from-behind win over the Mets.

6/24/2005

Kevin Brown, nyy

Brown, who went on the disabled list a week ago with back spasms, still hasn't tossed a ball around and there's no plans for a throwing session currently scheduled. It seems unlikely now that Brown will be ready to go when he is eligible to come off the DL at the end of the month. The Yankees don't want to start up activity for Brown until the 40-year-old righthander is comfortable with the status of his back.

6/23/2005

Johnny Damon, nyy

Still bothered by a strained right rotator cuff, Damon didn't start Wednesday's game against Cleveland, but made a pinch-running appearance in the eighth inning. He remained in the game, which the Red Sox won, 5-4, on an RBI double from Edgar Renteria in the ninth.

6/22/2005

Gary Sheffield, nyy

Sheffield extended his current hitting streak to nine games, going 4-for-6 with a pair of three-run home runs and three runs scored in Tuesday's 20-11 win over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Over that span, the Yankees' outfielder is 15-for-38 (.395) with two doubles, two home runs and 13 RBI.

Randy Johnson, nyy

Johnson got into some trouble with one of his worst outings in years, but he did not figure into the decision, as the Yankees came back to defeat the Tampa Bay Devil Rays 20-11 on Tuesday. The veteran lefthander lasted just three innings, allowing seven runs on eight hits -- including three home runs -- prior to his departure. He struck out three and walked one.

Derek Jeter, nyy

Jeter had a very productive night in Tuesday's victory over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. In six at-bats, the Yankees' shortstop tied a career high with five hits, including a solo home run and a double. He set a career best by scoring five runs in the contest.

Scott Proctor, nyy

Looking for some help for their overworked bullpen, the Yankees recalled Proctor from Triple-A Columbus in time for Tuesday's game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The righthander was put to work immediately, tossing two innings of relief after the struggling Randy Johnson was removed from the game. He allowed three runs -- one earned -- on three hits, while striking out two and walking two.

6/21/2005

Hideki Matsui, nyy

Matsui participated in a light workout Monday to see if he's ready to return to the Yankees' outfield. The 31-year-old outfielder was fine going after the ball and catching it, but he's not 100-percent ready in terms of the sharp movements of pivoting and throwing. The earliest he will return to the Yankees' outfield is Wednesday.

Bubba Crosby, nyy

To make room for Monday's starter, Sean Henn, the New York Yankees optioned Crosby to Triple-A Columbus before New York's 5-4 loss to Tampa Bay. Recalled on Thursday, Crosby appeared in three games during his stint, but didn't pick up an at-bat. In 18 games with New York this season, Crosby is 2-for-12 (.167) with four runs scored.

Sean Henn, nyy

In his second major league start Monday, Henn was roughed up by Tampa Bay for a second time. The 24-year-old lefthander walked seven batters and allowed four hits and four runs in 4.2 innings against the Rays, and took his second loss. He has posted a 10.29 ERA over seven big league innings.

6/20/2005

Kevin Brown, nyy

Brown, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday with back spasms, shouldn't miss more than the required 15 days before he returns to the active roster. The Yankees' righthander is expected to start throwing later in the week, after the discomfort in his back quiets down.

Johnny Damon, nyy

Damon continues to be bothered by a tender right shoulder he injured making a diving catch on June 4. Described as a rotator cuff strain, the injury has led Damon to skip batting practice before each of the last five games he has played. On Sunday, he sat out Boston's 8-0 win over Pittsburgh to give the shoulder additional rest.

Hideki Matsui, nyy

After going 1-for-4 with an RBI on Sunday, in the Yankees' 6-3 victory over the Cubs, Matsui has a 10-game hitting streak in which he is 15-for-35 (.429) with three homers and 12 RBI. He is 10-for-22 (.455) since taking over as the Yankees' DH six games ago.

6/19/2005

Hideki Matsui, nyy

Yankee manager Joe Torre said that Matsui may be ready to return to the outfield. After spraining an ankle last Sunday, Matsui has played five games at designated hitter, going 9-for-18 in the role.

6/18/2005

Kevin Brown, nyy

Brown, who left Wednesday's game against Pittsburgh with back spasms, has been placed on the disabled list, retroactive to June 16. Rookie Sean Henn take Brown's spot as the Yankees' starter against Tampa Bay on Monday.

Al Leiter, nyy

Leiter's bullpen stint may be short-lived, as he has been named as Sunday's starter, replacing Josh Beckett, who has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a blister problem. Leiter had not been expected to get another turn in the rotation until June 25. The lefthander has struggled this season, going 2-6 with a 6.75 ERA.

Derek Jeter, nyy

Jeter hit his first career grand slam in the sixth inning of Saturday's game against the Chicago Cubs. The Yankees' shortstop connected off of Chicago reliever Joe Borowski. It was Jeter's first homer in 136 career at-bats with the bases loaded.

Ramiro Mendoza, nyy

Mendoza is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Tuesday, which would be the first time the reliever will throw off a mound since undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his pitching shoulder in January.

Sean Henn, nyy

Henn will make his second major league start when he fills in for Kevin Brown on Monday. Henn allowed six runs in just 2.1 innings in his major league debut on May 4, when he was called up from Double-A Trenton to fill in for Randy Johnson. Since then, Henn has gone 4-2 with a 3.19 ERA at Triple-A Columbus.

6/17/2005

Hideki Matsui, nyy

Matsui must like the DH gig. After going 3-for-4 with a homer and five RBI in the Yankees' 9-6 win over the Cubs Friday night, Matsui is 8-for-15 (.533) with three longballs and nine RBI in four games of DH duty. The Yankees' outfielder isn't playing defensively while nursing an ankle injury he suffered on Sunday.

6/16/2005

Kevin Brown, nyy

Brown left Wednesday's game against the Pirates in the fifth inning with back spasms. Making his first start since skipping a turn with shoulder pain, the Yankees' righthander allowed the Pirates three runs on seven hits through 4.1 innings. The Yankees rallied late and Brown took a no-decision. He is 4-6 with a 5.48 ERA in 11 starts this season.

Miguel Cairo, nyy

Cairo, who has been bothered by a left hamstring injury for most of June, was placed on the 15-day disabled list by the New York Mets on Wednesday. The second baseman was batting .286 in 36 games for the Mets this season.

Hideki Matsui, nyy

Matsui, who was helped off the field after suffering an ankle injury on Sunday, will be the Yankees' designated hitter for "a while," according to New York manager Joe Torre. The length of Matsui's tenure as the DH is uncertain, but he's 4-for-7 with a double, homer and two RBI in his two nights of DH duty since he was injured.

Bubba Crosby, nyy

With Hideki Matsui limited to DH duties because of an ankle injury, the New York Yankees recalled Crosby from Triple-A Columbus Thursday to help out in the outfield. The Yankees returned infielder Andy Phillips to Columbus to make room for Crosby.

Andy Phillips, nyy

Phillips returned to Triple-A Columbus less than 24 hours after joining the New York Yankees. The infielder was optioned back to Columbus Thursday to make room for Bubba Crosby, who is needed as insurance in the outfield since Hideki Matsui is limited to DH duties because of a recent ankle injury.

6/15/2005

Rey Sanchez, nyy

Sanchez was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday, retroactive to June 10, with two bulging cervical discs in his back. The Yankees hope treatment and rest will help Sanchez, but surgery remains a possibility. The middle infielder was batting .279 (12-for-43) with seven runs scored for the Yankees.

Hideki Matsui, nyy

Despite being helped off the field Sunday after suffering an ankle injury, Matsui was back in the New York Yankees' lineup Tuesday. The Yankees' center fielder maintained his consecutive-games streak by playing in his 388th straight game for New York. He has played in 1,638 straight contests between the Yomiuri Giants and New York Yankees.

Andy Phillips, nyy

For the third time this season, Phillips was recalled from Triple-A Columbus Wednesday, this time to replace injured middle infielder Rey Sanchez. Phillips was hitting .337 with nine home runs and 22 RBI in 25 games for Columbus. With the Yankees, he's gone 5-for-32 (.156) with four doubles and a homer.

6/14/2005

Al Leiter, nyy

With two days off over the next week, the Florida Marlins will go with a four-man rotation briefly and place Leiter in the bullpen. The 39-year-old lefthander was the obvious choice for bullpen duty. While none of the other four Marlins starters has an ERA higher than 3.13, Leiter is 2-6 with a 6.75 ERA in 12 starts. The lefty has allowed 41 walks and fanned 36 in 57.1 innings this season.

Jesus Colome, nyy

An MRI exam revealed nothing more than inflammation in Colome's ailing right shoulder, but the Tampa Bay reliever will be shut down for 7-10 days to allow the inflamed shoulder to cool down. This is his second trip to the disabled list for his right shoulder.

Hideki Matsui, nyy

Matsui slipped and fell while chasing Jim Edmonds' double during the seventh inning of New York's 5-3 loss at St. Louis on Sunday. The Yankees' left fielder injured his right ankle and was assisted from the field by manager Joe Torre and a trainer. An MRI exam on Monday revealed no serious damage to the ankle.

6/13/2005

Brian Bruney, nyy

Bruney has struggled as the Arizona closer since Brandon Lyon went on the disabled list in mid-May, and on Sunday, Greg Aquino came off the DL after a lengthy struggle with elbow inflammation. The stage may be set for a battle for ninth-inning duties between Bruney and Aquino.

6/12/2005

Rey Sanchez, nyy

An MRI taken on Saturday revealed that Sanchez has two bulging discs in his neck, and the New York infielder wore a supportive collar prior to Saturday's matchup against St. Louis. Sanchez was complaining of dizziness and tingling in his fingers and toes. He has been placed on a program of anti-inflammatories, and he currently is listed as day-to-day.

Jesus Colome, nyy

The Devil Rays placed Colome on the 15-day disabled list on Sunday with inflammation in his right shoulder, a move that is retroactive to June 10. It is the second time this year that the reliever has visited the DL due to the shoulder, which might help explain his 7.16 ERA in 14 appearances in 2005. Tampa Bay called up Franklin Nunez to take Colome's spot on the active roster.

6/10/2005

Miguel Cairo, nyy

Cairo was back in the Mets' starting lineup on Friday after missing the team's previous seven games with a hamstring injury. The second baseman injured his left hamstring in a game against the Diamondbacks last week. Expect Cairo to assume his regular starting role.

6/9/2005

Kevin Brown, nyy

Brown's tender left shoulder has improved, but he will miss his start on Friday. While there was a chance that the Yankees' righthander would be completely healthy by Friday, the team needed to make a commitment on pitching assignments and decided to be cautious with Brown.

Alex Rodriguez, nyy

With two homers in New York's 12-3 romp over Milwaukee on Wednesday, Rodriguez became the youngest major leaguer to reach 400 home runs. He stroked a solo shot off lefthander Jorge De La Rosa in the eighth inning, making the 29-year-old third baseman the 40th player in major league history to reach the 400 plateau. The milestone came 49 days shy of A-Rod's 30th birthday, and no one before him has hit his 400th before turning 30.

Hideki Matsui, nyy

Yankees manager Joe Torre tried to shake up his club with a number of moves Wednesday, and that included not having Matsui in the starting lineup. It's the first time the outfielder didn't start for New York since September 26, 2003. Matsui did pinch-hit in the game, so his streak of 384 consecutive games since arriving in North America stayed alive.

Chien-Ming Wang, nyy

While Kevin Brown's tender left shoulder has improved, Wang will work his start in St. Louis on Friday. The Yankees' righthander has been getting steady work with injuries to the New York rotation, and Wang has worked quality starts in five of his seven outings. The 25-year-old prospect is 3-1 with a 4.03 ERA for the Yankees.

6/8/2005

Kevin Brown, nyy

Brown is supposed to have a between-start throwing session in the bullpen on Wednesday, but on Tuesday, the Yankees' righthander wasn't certain he would able to throw off flat ground on his scheduled throwing day. Bothered by a sore left shoulder that will inhibit his throwing motion, Brown's availability for his next start against St. Louis this weekend is not a sure thing.

Sal Fasano, nyy

With Javy Lopez out with a broken hand and Geronimo Gil nursing a left thumb injury in recent days, Fasano has taken over starting catcher duties lately and performed well. He has a four-game hitting streak after hitting two solo homers in Baltimore's 6-5 loss to Pittsburgh on Tuesday. During his four-game run, the 33-year-old veteran is 5-for-13 (.385) with a double, two homers and five runs scored.

Octavio Dotel, nyy

Despite the recommendation of doctors and the wishes of the team to pursue a rehab program for his elbow ailment, Dotel underwent successful Tommy John surgery on Tuesday. The Oakland A's closer finished the 2005 campaign with a 1-2 record, a 3.52 ERA and seven saves in 15 games.

6/7/2005

Kevin Brown, nyy

Brown fell and strained his left shoulder covering first base in the fifth inning during Sunday's 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Twins. The Yankees' righthander was sore on Monday, but little is known about his injury and upcoming status at this time. He will be checked out and more should be known in the next 24 hours.

Derek Jeter, nyy

After missing both weekend games with a bad cold, Jeter was back in the Yankees' lineup on Monday. The New York shortstop went 2-for-5, perhaps showing signs that he is coming out of a mild slump. He was 3-for-21 in six games prior to Monday night's loss to Milwaukee.

Johnny Damon, nyy

While Damon's sore right shoulder kept him out of his second game in a row on Monday, Boston manager Terry Francona said his center fielder was doing better and should be ready to go on Tuesday.

6/6/2005

Bernie Williams, nyy

Williams and the Yankees' other DH options will be squeezed for playing time this week, when New York plays interleague series in Milwaukee and St. Louis. Williams is batting .247 with three homers and 18 RBI in 46 games this season.

Jason Giambi, nyy

Giambi and the Yankees' other DH options will be squeezed for playing time this week, when New York plays interleague series in Milwaukee and St. Louis. Giambi is batting .237 with four home runs and 14 RBI in 43 games this season.

Johnny Damon, nyy

Due to soreness in his right shoulder, Damon was absent from the Red Sox' lineup on Sunday, and his status for Monday is currently up in the air. The outfielder came down hard on his arm while making a diving catch during Saturday's action, but was able to remain in the game. If he is forced to miss any more time, Jay Payton likely will get the nod in center for the Sox.

Jaret Wright, nyy

After playing catch at a distance of 60 feet three times last week, Wright stretched it out to 90 feet during his fourth session at the Yankees' spring training complex on Monday. The New York righthander, who has been sidelined by a shoulder ailment since late April, could be ready to work off a bullpen mound sometime in the next week or two.

6/4/2005

Derek Jeter, nyy

Hampered by a bad cold and mired in a 3-for-21 slump, Jeter was given Saturday off as the New York Yankees took on the Minnesota Twins. This is the first game Jeter has missed this season.

6/2/2005

Miguel Cairo, nyy

Cairo was pulled from the Mets' lineup during Wednesday's win over the Arizona Diamondbacks after reporting tightness in his left hamstring. The infielder, who was replaced by Kaz Matsui in the seventh inning, will be re-evaluated on Thursday, but has been listed as day-to-day for the time being.

Octavio Dotel, nyy

Despite the recommendation of two elbow specialists and Oakland team doctors to pursue rehab work before turning to surgery, Dotel has decided to undergo Tommy John surgery as soon as possible. The A's closer doesn't believe he will be able to pitch through the discomfort he has been experiencing.

Craig Wilson, nyy

Wilson has resumed throwing, but has yet to swing a bat, as he recovers from surgery on the middle finger of his left hand. The Pirates' first baseman/outfielder, who has been sidelined since tearing tissue from his knuckle nearly a month ago, is still 3-4 weeks away from returning to the lineup.

6/1/2005

Johnny Damon, nyy

Damon came away from a painful Tuesday night run-in with the outfield wall at Fenway Park with scratches and contusions on his face. The Red Sox' center fielder needed four stitches above his right eye to close a cut. The good news is, there were no symptoms of a concussion, and Boston is listing Damon as day-to-day.

Octavio Dotel, nyy

While Dotel has made some progress, the discomfort in Dotel's right elbow persists. Caused by calcification in his elbow tendon, the pain dates back to spring training, and the Oakland closer has pursued a second opinion. He was examined by Dr. James Andrews on Tuesday, and the results should be known in the next few days.

5/30/2005

Terrence Long, nyy

Long reported some tightness behind his left knee and was removed from the Royals' lineup as a precautionary measure in the sixth inning of Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Angels. The outfielder, who was replaced by Matt Diaz, will be re-evaluated on Monday to determine his status.

Matt Childers, nyy

Opening roster space for new starting left fielder Kelly Johnson, the Atlanta Braves have designated Childers for assignment. The rookie righthander has appeared in just three games with the Braves this season, allowing two runs on five hits in four innings. He struck out two and walked three.

5/29/2005

Kelly Stinnett, nyy

The Diamondbacks purchased Stinnett's contract from Triple-A Tucson, swapping spots in the Arizona organization with Koyie Hill.

Koyie Hill, nyy

Hill was optioned to the Diamondbacks' Triple-A club in Tucson, with veteran catcher Kelly Stinnett coming on board to serve as the D-Backs' backup catcher.

5/26/2005

Sidney Ponson, nyy

Ponson will move up a day and pitch for Baltimore on Friday instead of Saturday. He will assume the start scheduled for Erik Bedard, who went on the 15-day disabled list Thursday for a knee injury. On Friday, Ponson will square off against Detroit's Nate Robertson. The Orioles' righthander is 5-2 with a 5.83 ERA in nine starts.

Jesus Colome, nyy

Since coming off the disabled list two weeks ago following a bout of shoulder tendinitis, Colome hasn't been throwing in the high 90s, as he has in the past. His velocity has been down markedly.

5/25/2005

Gary Sheffield, nyy

Despite the soreness in his left hand, which forced him to see a hand specialist on Monday, Sheffield homered and drove in a pair of runs in the Yankees' 12-3 romp over Detroit on Tuesday night.

Alex Rodriguez, nyy

In New York's 12-3 win over Detroit, Rodriguez served up two homers and drove in three runs. He also scored three times. The Yankees' third baseman padded his major league lead in runs (40), homers (16) and RBI (46).

Derek Jeter, nyy

Of the three injured Yankees who sat on Sunday, Jeter was the most unlikely to play on Tuesday against Detroit. Yet, he joined Gary Sheffield and Jorge Posada in the New York lineup. Jeter went 0-for-4 from the leadoff spot, but the Yankees throttled the Tigers, 12-3.

Jorge Posada, nyy

In the Yankees' 12-3 win over Detroit Tuesday, Posada showed no ill effects of taking a spike under his throwing shoulder in a home-plate collision on Saturday. The Yankees' catcher hit two home runs and drove in four in New York's victory. For the season, he is batting .284 with seven longballs and 25 RBI in 41 games.

Sal Fasano, nyy

Just one day after being designated for assignment by the Baltimore Orioles, Fasano has re-signed with the club, filling the roster spot of Javy Lopez, who will be sidelined 4-6 weeks with a broken hand. Geronimo Gil is expected to get the majority of the starts behind the plate in Lopez' absence, with Fasano serving as the primary backup.

Octavio Dotel, nyy

The discomfort in Dotel's right elbow is being caused by calification in his elbow tendon, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The pain began in spring training, and in the days before he was put on the disabled list, it became an increasingly sharp pain -- especially when throwing sliders. Specialist Dr. Lewis Yocum advised rest and said surgery was not necessary.

5/24/2005

Gary Sheffield, nyy

On Monday, Sheffield visited a hand specialist, who administered an MRI exam of the outfielder's sore left hand. Tests revealed nothing more than tendinitis in the hand. Yankees GM Brian Cashman said he expects Sheffield to play Tuesday night against Detroit, after missing games on Saturday and Sunday versus the Mets.

Derek Jeter, nyy

While Gary Sheffield and Jorge Posada are expected to return to action when the Yankees host Detroit on Tuesday night, Jeter remains questionable to start. The Yanks' shortstop was hit in the elbow with a pitch by Mets righthander Kris Benson on Saturday. While the swelling continues to subside, the elbow still is tender.

Jorge Posada, nyy

Indicators suggest Posada will be back in the New York lineup Tuesday, when the Yankees host the Detroit Tigers. The Yankees' catcher was available to play on Sunday if necessary, and he didn't visit the clubhouse Monday to receive treatment on the shoulder that was spiked by Mets reliever Dae-Sung Koo during a seventh-inning play at the plate on Saturday.

Sal Fasano, nyy

Less than two weeks after getting his first call to the majors since 2002, Fasano was designated for assignment by the Orioles to make room for the return of Sammy Sosa from the disabled list. Fasano was productive in four games with Baltimore, going 3-for-9 with two homers and three RBI.

Chris Prieto, nyy

To make room for Joel Peralta on the 40-man roster prior to his recall from Triple-A Salt Lake, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have designated Prieto for assignment. The 32-year-old outfielder is coming off his first taste of the major leagues a week ago, and he was 0-for-2 in two games during his brief stay.

5/23/2005

Scott Erickson, nyy

Due to his continued struggles, Erickson will be moved to the bullpen, according to Dodgers manager Jim Tracy. The righthander, who has lost his last four decisions, is 1-4 with a 7.22 ERA in eight starts this season. He has just eight strikeouts in 38.2 innings of work and has allowed 17 walks and 10 home runs over that span.

Cory Lidle, nyy

Lidle notched his first complete game of the 2005 campaign and 11th of his major league career, going the distance in Sunday's 7-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. The Phillies' righthander surrendered just two runs on six hits, and finished with four strikeouts and one walk.

5/22/2005

Gary Sheffield, nyy

Sheffield missed his first game of the season Saturday, when he was a late scratch from the Yankees' lineup with a sore left hand. He's not listed on the lineup card for Sunday's game, as well. Reportedly he was available to pinch-hit on Saturday, suggesting the injury isn't all that serious.

Gary Sheffield, nyy

Sheffield missed his first game of the season Saturday, when he was a late scratch from the Yankees' lineup with a swollen left hand. He's not listed on the lineup card for Sunday's game, as well. Reportedly he was available to pinch-hit on Saturday, suggesting the injury isn't all that serious.

Jorge Posada, nyy

In Saturday's Yankees loss to the Mets, Posada was hit under his right shoulder by one of the cleats of the Mets' Dae-Sung Koo during a seventh-inning play at the plate, but the Yankees' catcher stayed in the game. He isn't in the lineup on Sunday.

Frank Brooks, nyy

Brooks spent roughly 10 days with Atlanta after Kevin Gryboski went on the disabled list with a viral infection. Brooks made just one appearance, allowing a hit in one-third of an inning for the Braves. Gryboski returned on Sunday, and Brooks has been optioned back to Triple-A Richmond.

5/21/2005

Derek Jeter, nyy

Jeter was hit in the elbow with a pitch by Mets hurler Kris Benson in the sixth inning of Saturday's game. The Yankees' captain stayed in the game to run the bases, but then was replaced in the field by Rey Sanchez in the bottom half of the inning. X-rays on the elbow were negative.

5/20/2005

Octavio Dotel, nyy

The Oakland Athletics placed Dotel on the 15-day disabled list Friday with a strained right elbow. The move is retroactive to May 17. The A's closer has been bothered by elbow discomfort of late, and he has blown three saves, coughed up a pair of walkoff home runs and recorded a 6.75 ERA in May.

5/19/2005

Alex Rodriguez, nyy

Rodriguez is carrying a big stick on the Yankees' current West Coast road swing. In his last five games, in Oakland and Seattle, the Yankees' third baseman is 6-for-20 (.300) with eight runs scored, three home runs and nine RBI. He's homered the last two nights in Seattle, and his three-run shot in the first inning of Wednesday night's loss to the Mariners was his major league-leading 14th of the season.

Bobby Abreu, nyy

Abreu extended his current hitting streak to 11 games, going 2-for-4 in Wednesday's loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. The Phillies' outfielder has posted eight multihit games over that span, batting .553 with nine home runs, 18 RBI, nine walks and two stolen bases.

Brian Bruney, nyy

With regular closer Brandon Lyon landing on the 15-day disabled list with mild tendinitis in his pitching elbow, Bruney will handle the majority of the Diamondbacks' save situations over the next couple of weeks. The 23-year-old righthander has notched saves in each of his last two appearances, and is 0-1 with a 3.86 ERA in 21 relief appearances this season. He has 20 strikeouts and 15 walks in 21 innings of work.

5/18/2005

Jason Giambi, nyy

In New York's Tuesday night win over Seattle, Giambi homered for the first time since April 19 -- his fourth dinger of the season -- and he went 3-for-4 with three RBI to give him a five-game hitting streak. In his modest five-game run, the Yankees' designated hitter is 7-for-20 (.350) with a double, homer, three runs scored and four RBI.

Presenting a Giambi home run as good news after an 18-game drought shows how far the slugger has fallen. Perhaps he will not regain the power that generated 163 home runs over the four period of 2000-2003, but getting his swing and head straightened out could make for a far more productive Giambi than what Yankees fans have seen so far in 2005.

Octavio Dotel, nyy

Dotel showed up in the Oakland clubhouse on Tuesday complaining of elbow pain, and the A's closer will be examined by Dr. Lewis Yocum on Wednesday. After posting a 1.80 ERA and five saves in six chances during April, Dotel has blown three saves, coughed up a pair of walkoff home runs and recorded a 6.75 ERA in May. Perhaps Dotel's elbow has been bothering him for a while.

5/17/2005

Matt Childers, nyy

The Atlanta Braves have purchased Childers' contract from Triple-A Richmond, filling the roster spot of starter John Thomson, who will be sidelined indefinitely with a strained tendon in the middle finger of his pitching hand. In 15 appearances with the minor league club this season, Childers, a 26-year-old righthander, is 2-0 with a 3.26 ERA.

Childers will pitch in relief with the Braves. He has not appeared in a major league contest since the 2002 campaign. The team has not determined who will handle Thomson's starting duties, but Adam Bernero is the top candidate at this point.

Robinson Cano, nyy

On Monday night, Cano moved from the No. 9 spot in the Yankees' batting order to the No. 2 slot. He responded by going 2-for-5 with two runs scored. Cano's hitting streak of multihit games reached five, and the Yankees' rookie second sacker is batting .591 (13-for-22) over that span. He's also recorded at least one double in each of those five games for a total of six, with Cano scoring six runs and driving in five.

After starting 2-for-23 following his recall from the minors, Cano is batting .333 (15-for-45) for the season. He has six doubles and six RBI.

Chris Prieto, nyy

The first cup of coffee in the majors for the 32-year-old Prieto lasted roughly three days, as the Angels' outfielder was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake after the Angels defeated Cleveland on Monday night. The Angels needed to make room for Tuesday night's starting pitcher, 22-year-old Ervin Santana, a premier pitching prospect who will be recalled from Double-A Arkansas to make his major league debut against the Indians.

Prieto was 0-for-2 in two games during his brief stay with the Angels.

5/16/2005

Randy Johnson, nyy

Johnson worked six innings without striking out a batter Sunday, though he earned the "W" in New York's 6-4 victory over Oakland. It was the first time since April 1989 that Johnson hasn't recorded a strikeout in an outing.

Yesterday's outing is a reminder that Johnson isn't piling up the strikeouts in 2005 as he has in years past. While his 50 strikeouts rank second only to Minnesota's Johan Santana in the American League, they have been recorded in 57.1 innings. You have to go back to 1990 to find a season in which the Big Unit didn't average a strikeout an inning over a full season.

Bobby Abreu, nyy

Abreu went 2-for-3 with a walk and home run in Sunday's win over the Cincinnati Reds, extending his current hit streak to nine games. Over that span, the Phillies' outfielder has been nearly unstoppable, notching seven multihit games and batting .581 with four doubles, seven home runs, 13 RBI, nine runs scored and two stolen bases.

Abreu has homered in seven of his last eight games. Although he likely won't keep up his scorching pace all season, Abreu is a must-start in all fantasy leagues, as he contributes in nearly every category.

Robinson Cano, nyy

After a 2-for-23 start in his first seven games as the Yankees' second baseman, Cano has gone on a tear. The 22-year-old rookie second baseman has a four-game hitting streak in which he's 11-for-17 (.647) with five doubles and five RBI. For the season, the Yankees' prospect is a .325 hitter (13-for-40) in 11 games.

5/15/2005

Tino Martinez, nyy

Not to be outdone by Bobby Abreu of the Phillies, Tino Martinez drilled his sixth home run in seven games on Saturday against the A's. The Yankees have won seven games in a row, highlighted by the power of their lefthanded first baseman. The 15-year veteran is now hitting .275 with 10 home runs and 26 RBI in 33 games this season.

Bobby Abreu, nyy

After just missing his sixth home run in six games on Friday night, Abreu started a new streak by homering for the sixth time in seven games on Saturday. Abreu has been the hottest hitter in baseball the past week and has his batting average up to .323 to go along with nine home runs and 26 RBI.

5/14/2005

Chris Prieto, nyy

The 32-year-old Prieto made his major league debut on Saturday when he started in center field in the second game of the Angels' doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers. Prieto went 0-for-1 with a sacrifice in his debut.

5/13/2005

Bobby Abreu, nyy

Abreu cleared the wall yet again in Thursday's loss to the Cincinnati Reds, extending his home-run streak to five games. In 24 contests in April, the Phillies outfielder hit .261 with one home run and seven RBI. This month, he has played in half as many games to date, but is batting .425 with seven homers and 15 RBI.

In addition to his eight home runs and 22 RBI, Abreu has posted 10 stolen bases in 36 games on the year. He has scored 24 runs and currently claims a .437 on-base percentage. Obviously, Abreu is a must-start in all fantasy formats.

5/12/2005

Johnny Damon, nyy

Damon picked up a hit on Wednesday to push his hitting streak to 17 games. He's batting .468 (36-for-77) during the streak, scoring 16 runs and driving in 16 for Boston.

Sal Fasano, nyy

The Baltimore Orioles recalled Fasano on Wednesday to give the club a third option behind the plate. The 33-year-old catcher, who hasn't been in the majors since 2002, was hitting .267 with four homers and 12 RBI in 14 games for Triple-A Ottawa in 2005.

Fasano allows Javy Lopez to come out from behind the plate and play first base or serve as the designated hitter with the Orioles missing two starting outfielders because of injuries.

Octavio Dotel, nyy

On both Tuesday and Wednesday, Dotel served up walkoff home runs to the Boston Red Sox in the ninth inning. On Tuesday, it was Kevin Millar drilling a one-out fastball for a two-run shot that secured a 3-2 Boston win. The next night, Jason Varitek launched a one-out fastball into the Fenway seats for a two-run bomb and 6-5 Red Sox victory.

David Ortiz drew a free pass from Dotel on both nights and scored ahead of the home-run hitter. Wednesday's blown save was the fourth of the season for Dotel, who is 1-2 with six saves and a 4.05 ERA in 13 appearances. The Oakland closer's 11 walks in 13.1 innings have to be a concern for the Athletics.

Chris Prieto, nyy

The 32-year-old Prieto, who made his Triple-A debut in 1996, is getting his first taste of the majors. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim put righthander Kelvim Escobar on the 15-day disabled list Thursday and recalled Prieto to take his roster spot. In his 13th minor league season, the lefthanded outfielder was hitting .279 with nine stolen bases, 19 runs scored and eight RBI in 25 games for Triple-A Salt Lake.

Prieto starts his first major league stint as a bench player.

5/11/2005

Tino Martinez, nyy

In the Yankees' 13-9 win over Seattle on Wednesday afternoon, Martinez homered for the fifth straight game. The 37-year-old first baseman lifted a three-run shot into the short porch in right field off Matt Thornton to pull the Yankees even at 9-9 in the fourth inning of the slugfest.

Those five homers in five games have driven in 11 runs for the Yankees, who now have won five straight games. For the season, Martinez is batting .266 with nine homers and 21 RBI. He's more than doubled his homer and RBI totals in the last five days.

Bernie Williams, nyy

Williams was the New York Yankees' designated hitter Tuesday, as the 36-year-old switch-hitter made his first start since serving as the team's DH last Friday. Williams was 1-for-4 and scored a run in Tuesday's 7-4 win over Seattle.

With Jason Giambi struggling mightily and possibly in line for a stint in the minors, Williams may be seeing more playing time as the Yankees' DH. Ruben Sierra, who is on the disabled list, will be re-entering the DH picture soon.

Jason Giambi, nyy

With Giambi on an 0-for-15 slide with 10 strikeouts -- and projecting to collect all of 19 extra-base hits and 29 RBI this season -- Yankees general manager Brian Cashman and skipper Joe Torre sat down with New York's designated hitter to discuss his plight. Reportedly it was suggested that Giambi consider a minor league stint to recapture his stroke and confidence, but the veteran doesn't seem receptive to the idea.

While Giambi has maintained his batting eye and still draws walks, his swing is a mess and he rarely hits the ball hard. With the Yankees struggling to stay close to the contenders in the American League East, they can't afford to play Giambi when he's in such a funk. Spending some time at Triple-A Columbus seems like the best option for Giambi, unless he's prepared to discuss a buyout of his contract with the Yankees.

Johnny Damon, nyy

After a perfect 3-for-3 night that included a walk on Tuesday, Damon has four straight multihit performances and a 16-game hitting streak. In those 16 games, Damon is batting .479 (35-for-73) with six doubles, two triples, 15 runs scored and 16 RBI.

Bobby Abreu, nyy

Abreu went 2-for-3 in Tuesday's loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, extending his multihit-games streak to four. The outfielder, who also has belted a home run in each of his last three contests, is batting .394 with five homers, 12 RBI and three stolen bases in 10 games this month.

Abreu posts solid totals in nearly every fantasy category. After a slow start to the 2005 campaign, he now is hitting .298 with six homers, 19 RBI and 10 stolen bases in 34 games.

Russ Johnson, nyy

With Felix Rodriguez going on the disabled list with a knee injury, the New York Yankees plan to recall Johnson for his first big league stint since 2002. The 32-year-old utilityman was batting .285 with five homers and 20 RBI for Triple-A Columbus.

Johnson was serving as the Clippers' starting third baseman, but could play at a number of positions as a bench player for New York. He last played in the majors for Tampa Bay in 2002.

Frank Brooks, nyy

Brooks has been recalled from Triple-A Richmond by the Atlanta Braves, filling the roster spot of reliever Kevin Gryboski, who will be out until at least May 22 with a viral infection. The lefthander, who was claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers last month, made his major league debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates last season, going 0-1 with a 4.67 ERA in 11 appearances, including one start. He struck out 18 and walked nine in 17.1 innings of work.

Brooks will pitch in relief and have little to no fantasy value.

Chien-Ming Wang, nyy

Wang worked his second quality start in three major league outings Tuesday, limiting Seattle to four hits and three runs over 7.1 innings for his first big league victory. The rookie righthander evened his record to 1-1 and has a 4.43 ERA and .234 opponent batting average for the Yankees.

5/10/2005

Randy Johnson, nyy

With Johnson making his first start since April 29 -- and claiming a 4-3 win -- the Yankees have won three games in a row for the first time all season. The Big Unit worked eight innings in defeating Seattle, allowing seven hits and three earned runs while fanning seven. He upped his record to 3-2 in seven starts, with a 3.68 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 51.1 innings.

With Mike Mussina, Kevin Brown and Johnson turning in three consecutive quality starts, including Mussina's four-hit shutout of Oakland on Saturday, perhaps the Yankees are poised to execute a turnaround.

Tino Martinez, nyy

Martinez has picked it up over his last 12 games, batting .343 and finding a power stroke in more recent days. The Yankees' first baseman has homered in three straight games, and in five of his last seven contests. His hot bat has bumped his average to .259, and he now has seven homers and 16 RBI for the season.

Jason Giambi, nyy

Giambi's hitless streak has reached 0-for-15 with 10 strikeouts, and for the season, the Yankees' designated hitter is batting .195 with three home runs and just six RBI in 27 games.

Manager Joe Torre made a point of saying he still believes in Giambi as a hitter and would stick with him in the Yankees' lineup. The skipper suggested there were mental issues to Giambi's struggles, rather than physical issues. Yet, would Torre have someone else in the DH spot if someone on the Yankees' bench was productive right now?

Johnny Damon, nyy

Damon collected two more hits in Boston's Monday night win to extend his hitting streak to 15 games. During the streak, the Red Sox' center fielder is batting .457 (32-for-70) with six doubles, 15 runs scored and 15 RBI.

Jaret Wright, nyy

The Angels' team physician, Dr. Lewis Yocum, concurred with the Yankees' team physician that Wright does not need surgery for his ailing right shoulder. Yocum had performed shoulder surgeries on Wright in 2000 and 2001, and the Yankees' righthander went to the Angels' physician for a second opinion.

Wright will begin a rehab program on his shoulder when he returns to the team's training complex in Tampa. He is expected to return sometime in June.

Craig Wilson, nyy

Wilson, who tore tissue from the knuckle of his left middle finger while batting in last Friday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, is scheduled to undergo surgery on Tuesday. Although a definite timetable likely won't be known until after the procedure, the Pirates expect the first baseman/outfielder to be sidelined for about two months. He will remain on the 15-day disabled list during that time.

Daryle Ward should see the majority of the time at first base during Wilson's absence, while Rob Mackowiak, Ray Sadler and Tike Redman are expected to get more action in the outfield. In 26 games this season, Wilson is batting .296 with one home run, seven RBI and two stolen bases.

Jesus Colome, nyy

After a bout of shoulder tendinitis, Colome was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday. The Tampa Bay reliever should return to setup duties for Rays closer Danys Baez. In five relief appearances before going on the DL, Colome posted a 5.79 ERA.

5/9/2005

Kevin Brown, nyy

Brown held Oakland scoreless for seven innings Sunday, as the Yankees' righthander picked up his first win of the 2005 season in his fifth start. The scoreless outing also was just the second quality start for Brown, who lost his four previous appearances before stifling the Oakland offense on Sunday. Brown now is 1-4 with a 6.39 ERA and .343 opponent batting average.

Gary Sheffield, nyy

Sheffield suffered a mild ankle sprain on Sunday, chasing a flyball in the New York Yankees' win over Oakland. The Yankees' right fielder remained in the game after slipping to the ground and catching the ball while sitting on his back side. He was limping during the game, but Sheffield said he expected to be in the New York lineup against Seattle on Monday.

Sheffield is hitting .328 with four homers and 24 RBI for the Yankees.

Jason Giambi, nyy

After missing four games as a result of being hit in the head with a pitch, Giambi was back in the Yankees' lineup on Sunday. Giambi served as the team's designated hitter and batted eighth.

Giambi went 0-for-2 with a pair of walks in New York's win over Oakland Sunday. Since getting two hits against the Angels on April 28, Giambi has gone 0-for-12 with nine strikeouts. Over that stretch of games, he also has collected five walks and a hit-by-pitch.

Johnny Damon, nyy

With first-inning hits in both games of Boston's Sunday doubleheader, Damon extended his hitting streak to 14 games. During his 14-game run, the Red Sox' center fielder is 30-for-66 (.455) with six doubles, 12 runs scored and 13 RBI. The streak includes 10 multihit games.

Damon was 4-for-9 Sunday, despite a strained left hamstring that kept him out of games on both Friday and Saturday. The area bothering Damon is where the tendon attaches the hamstring to his left hip.

Hideki Matsui, nyy

After batting at a .323 clip with 13 RBI in his first 15 games this season, Matsui is now stuck in a .155 funk over his last 17 contests. The Yankees' left fielder has managed to drive in nine runs during his 17-game slide, but all of his hitting percentages are below .300 during his slump and he's not contributing much to a Yankees attempt to turn things around.

Robinson Cano, nyy

As the starting second baseman in New York's revamped lineup, Cano has struggled in the early going. The 22-year-old rookie is off to a 2-for-21 (.095) start with two runs scored and just one RBI. After getting a pair of hits in his second major league game on May 4, Cano is stuck in an 0-for-16 slide.

Despite his inability to get hits, Cano hasn't been overmatched at the major league level, says Yankees manager Joe Torre. The skipper expects to keep Cano in the everyday lineup for the foreseeable future.

5/8/2005

Craig Wilson, nyy

The Pirates placed Wilson on the 15-day disabled list on Sunday due to torn tissue in the knuckle of his left middle finger. The first baseman/outfielder suffered the injury on Friday while swinging the bat in his second plate appearance of the game against the Diamondbacks. After breaking out for 29 homers in 2004, Wilson has just one longball in 81 at-bats this season.

The injury comes at a bad time for Wilson, who is hitting .563 (9-for-16) in his last five games. The Pirates purchased the contract of Ray Sadler from Double-A Altoona to replace Wilson on the roster.

5/7/2005

Mike Mussina, nyy

Mussina threw a four-hit shutout against the Oakland A's on Saturday. It was Mussina's 22nd career shutout, but his first since August 17, 2003, which also was the last time a Yankees starting pitcher threw a complete game.

This was Mussina's second straight strong start. In his last two games, Mussina has gone 16 innings, allowing just two runs on nine hits.

Johnny Damon, nyy

Damon, who was held out of Friday's game with a strained left hamstring, is likely to miss Saturday's contest as well. The outfielder has been told by doctors that the problem area is the tendon attaching the hamstring to his hip.

Johnny Damon, nyy

Damon, who was held out of Friday's game with a strained left hamstring, is likely to miss Saturday's contest as well. The Red Sox' outfielder has been told by doctors that the problem area is the tendon attaching the hamstring to his hip.

5/6/2005

Johnny Damon, nyy

Damon kept an impressive hitting streak alive with a seventh-inning single for his only hit in Boston's 2-1 win over Detroit Thursday. The Red Sox' center fielder extended his run to 12 games. In those 12 games, Damon is hitting .456 (26-for-57) with five doubles, a triple and homer, 10 runs scored and 13 RBI.

In five of the 12 games in his streak, Damon has had three or more hits. Only four times has he been limited to a single hit.

5/5/2005

Alex Rodriguez, nyy

After homering for the sixth time in nine games on Wednesday, Rodriguez has hit safely in nine of 11 games. In those 11 contests, the Yankees' third baseman is batting .357 (15-for-42) with six homers, eight runs scored and 14 RBI.

Wednesday's home run was the 10th of the season for Rodriguez. He's the first major leaguer with double-digit homers, and his 28 RBI trail only the American League leader, Miguel Tejada (32), and the National League leader, Derrek Lee (30).

Tanyon Sturtze, nyy

On Thursday, the New York Yankees activated Sturtze from the disabled list after more than a two-week stay for an oblique strain. The righthanded reliever was 1-0 with a 6.10 ERA in six games for the Yankees before he was injured.

To make room for Sturtze's return, New York optioned pitching prospect Sean Henn to Triple-A Columbus after he made his major league debut on Wednesday.

Kyle Farnsworth, nyy

Due to tendinitis in his biceps, Farnsworth was unavailable to pitch in Thursday's game against the Boston Red Sox. The hard-throwing righthander, who is 1-1 with a 4.40 ERA in 14 relief appearances this season, has been listed as day-to-day by the Tigers.

Farnsworth will be re-evaluated on Friday to get an update on his status and availability. He has 19 strikeouts and nine walks in 14.1 innings.

Kyle Farnsworth, nyy

Due to tendinitis in his biceps, Farnsworth was unavailable to pitch in Thursday's game against the Boston Red Sox. The hard-throwing righthander, who is 1-1 with a 4.40 ERA in 14 relief appearances for the Tigers this season, was feeling better on Thursday than Wednesday, when Farnsworth first reported the injury. He is expected to miss only a couple days and should be ready by the end of the weekend.

Farnsworth will be re-evaluated on Friday to get an update on his status and availability. He has 19 strikeouts and nine walks in 14.1 innings.

Sean Henn, nyy

Henn was roughed up in his major league debut Wednesday, allowing seven hits and five earned runs over 2.1 innings of an 11-8 Yankees loss to Tampa Bay. The Yankees optioned Henn to Triple-A Columbus soon after the game, which allowed for the return of veteran Tanyon Sturtze from the disabled list. Henn had made a spot start for the injured Randy Johnson, but the 24-year-old lefthander didn't make a good first impression.

Still, going to Columbus was a promotion for Henn, who was 2-1 with a 0.71 ERA in four starts for Double-A Trenton before his big league debut. He will make his Triple-A debut in the next few days.

5/4/2005

Kevin Brown, nyy

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays batted around against Brown in the first inning of the Rays' 11-4 victory. The Yankees' righthander coughed up six runs in the first frame, after allowing four first-inning runs against Texas on April 22 and two in the opening inning against Baltimore on April 17. The Rays ended an eight-game losing streak by roughing up Brown for eight runs and 13 hits over five innings.

Brown's poor performance in the opening frame has sparked an 0-4 start and an 8.25 ERA through his first four outings of 2005. He's allowed 41 hits in 24 innings, and American League hitters are batting .380 against him so far this season. His ineffectiveness is as big of a concern to the Yankees as Jaret Wright's injury.

Randy Johnson, nyy

As anticipated, Johnson will miss his Wednesday start against Tampa Bay after tweaking a groin muscle in his last outing. The move was a precautionary one by the Yankees. The lefthander felt he was ready to pitch and showed he was displeased with the decision in a couple of brusk exchanges with reporters Tuesday.

Pitching prospect Sean Henn has been recalled from Double-A Trenton to make Wednesday's start. He will face the Rays' Hideki Nomo. Wednesday represents a lost opportunity to inch closer to 300 wins for the 41-year-old Johnson, who stands at 248-130 for his career. He should step back into his regular turn on Monday night against Seattle in Yankee Stadium.

Craig Wilson, nyy

Going into this week's three-game series with the Houston Astros, Wilson had been in a bit of a slump, notching just three hits in his last 21 at-bats. But the Pirates' first baseman/outfielder appears to be back on track, going 6-for-7 with two doubles, a home run and two RBI in the first two contests of the series.

With his production the last two nights, Wilson boosted his season batting average from .231 to .292. He only has one homer this year after belting 29 in 2004.

Bubba Crosby, nyy

To make room on the 25-man roster for Wednesday night's starter against Tampa Bay, Sean Henn, the New York Yankees optioned Crosby to Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday. Crosby had appeared in 15 games for New York, going 2-for-12 (.167).

While Crosby has been useful to the Yankees, he was the obvious candidate to go down in order to make room for Henn. Bernie Williams has joined the Yankees' bench this week in a lineup shuffle by manager Joe Torre. It's possible that Crosby will come back up when Henn returns to the minors.

Sean Henn, nyy

On Tuesday, the New York Yankees recalled Henn from Double-A Trenton to make one spot start for Randy Johnson on Wednesday night. Johnson tweaked a groin in his last outing, and the Yankees chose to be especially cautious with their ace, who wanted to face Tampa Bay on Wednesday. Henn is 2-1 with a 0.71 ERA in four starts for Trenton. He has recorded 21 strikeouts and nine walks in 25.1 innings of work.

The Yankees optioned Bubba Crosby to Triple-A Columbus to make room for Henn.

5/3/2005

Randy Johnson, nyy

In his complete-game loss to Toronto Friday, Johnson tweaked a groin and will miss his Wednesday start against Tampa Bay as a precaution. It's possible that the Yankees' lefthander will go on the 15-day disabled list with the injury. Johnson is 2-2 with a 3.74 ERA in six starts this season.

It appears lefthander Sean Henn will be recalled from Double-A Trenton to make that Wednesday start against the Rays.

Bernie Williams, nyy

A sore throwing elbow will force Williams out of center field, where the Yankees' veteran has become more of a defensive liability in recent seasons. The Yankees plan to shift Hideki Matsui to center and second baseman Tony Womack to left as Matsui's replacement. That opens up second base for top prospect Robinson Cano, who is expected to get the call this week.

Williams has found himself in the No. 9 spot in the batting order more frequently of late, and it will be interesting to see if he gets many at-bats if this new defensive configuration sticks. So far, Jason Giambi and Ruben Sierra have collected most of the plate appearances from the DH slot.

Nick Green, nyy

Reportedly the Tampa Bay Devil Rays are thinking about shifting prospect Jorge Cantu to third base, in place of struggling veteran Alex Gonzalez. Such a move could open up second base for Green, who is hitting .302 with a .362 OBP in 49 plate appearances this season.

Hideki Matsui, nyy

In what may mark the end of Bernie Williams' tenure as the Yankees' center fielder, Matsui is being moved to center with Williams battling a sore throwing elbow that further compromises his defensive play. The rest of the Yankees' plan is to move second baseman Tony Womack to left to replace Matsui, and calling up second-base prospect Robinson Cano to take Womack's place in the infield.

Matsui has played center when Williams has been hurt. Matsui is batting .255 with seven doubles, three homers and 18 RBI in 26 games for the Yankees.

Robinson Cano, nyy

With the Yankees struggling and Bernie Williams playing with a sore throwing elbow, Cano has been thrust into the New York soap opera. The Yankees have pulled Williams from his long-time center-field perch, moved Hideki Matsui from left to center, and inserted second baseman Tony Womack as the new left fielder. That leaves second base for Cano, who arrives from Triple-A Columbus as one of the top prospects in the Yankees' system.

Cano was hitting .333 with eight doubles, three triples, four home runs and 24 RBI in just 24 games for Columbus. With the Yankees at 11-15 on the season, the promising rookie better continue to hit. It may not be long before owner George Steinbrenner instructs his general manager to find a major league outfielder on the trade market. A trade acquisition could move Womack back to second base and return Cano to Columbus.

5/1/2005

Jason Giambi, nyy

Giambi left Saturday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays, due to a cramp in his right forearm. The Yankees' first baseman/designated hitter, who said the ailment was the result of too much batting practice, is not expected to miss much time. He might take Sunday off as a precautionary measure, but should be back in action within the next couple of days.

In 23 games this season, Giambi is batting .224 with three home runs and six RBI, and he's struck out 23 times in 67 at-bats. Consider him as day-to-day.

4/28/2005

Colter Bean, nyy

Bean's short stay with the New York Yankees has ended, as he was demoted when the team recalled starting prospect Chien-Ming Wang on Wednesday, in anticipation of his major league debut on Saturday. Bean was recalled earlier in the week to give the Yankees an extra arm after starter Jaret Wright went on the disabled list with a shoulder injury. Bean worked one two-inning stint during his stay, allowing one run in the Yankees' 12-4 win over the Angels on Tuesday.

After making his major league debut Tuesday, Bean returns to Triple-A Columbus, where the reliever has worked 8.1 scoreless innings and fanned 14 as a reliever.

Chien-Ming Wang, nyy

Wang has been recalled and will start against Toronto on Saturday at Yankee Stadium. The promising righthander was 2-0 with a 4.15 ERA and a .276 opponent batting average in four starts for Triple-A Columbus.

The Taiwan native could stick with the Yankees in 2005, in light of Wright's injury and Kevin Brown's ineffectiveness. Wang pitched for Taiwan's Olympic team last summer, shutting down Japan's team of major league professionals for seven innings. His first test against major league professionals in North America comes on Saturday.

Chien-Ming Wang, nyy

Wang has been recalled and will start against Toronto on Saturday at Yankee Stadium. The promising righthander was 2-0 with a 4.15 ERA and a .276 opponent batting average in four starts for Triple-A Columbus.

The Taiwan native could stick with the Yankees in 2005, in light of Wright's injury and Kevin Brown's ineffectiveness. Wang pitched for Taiwan's Olympic team last summer, shutting down Japan's team of major league professionals for seven innings. His first test against major league professionals in North America comes on Saturday.

4/27/2005

Alex Rodriguez, nyy

On Tuesday night, Rodriguez hit home runs in each of his first three at-bats and became only the 11th major leaguer with 10 or more RBI in a game, leading the Yankees over the Angels, 12-4. All three home runs came with two outs against Bartolo Colon in the first four innings. A-Rod hit a three-run homer in the first, a two-run shot in the third and a grand slam in the fourth, producing nine RBI and a 10-2 Yankees lead. He added an RBI single in the sixth.

A-Rod hit his 11th career slam, and it gave him three homers in a single game for the third time in 11-plus seasons. His two other three-homer games came against Toronto (4/16/00 as a Mariner, 8/17/02 as a Ranger). As for the double-digit RBI performance, Nomar Garciaparra had been the last player with 10 RBI in a game, accomplishing the feat for Boston against Seattle on May 10, 1999. The AL record belongs to the Yankees' Tony Lazzeri, with 11 in 1936.

4/26/2005

Tanyon Sturtze, nyy

Bothered by a strained left oblique muscle, Sturtze will throw on Tuesday and attempt a bullpen session on Thursday. If he handles both throwing sessions without a problem, the Yankees' reliever will begin a minor league rehab assignment. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list on April 18, so he is eligible to return in the first few days of May.

Jaret Wright, nyy

Wright has been examined by Yankees team doctors, and the test results will be forwarded to Dr. Lewis Yocum, the Angels' team physician. Yocum performed shoulder surgeries on Wright in 2000 and 2001. The Yankees' righthander could ask for a second opinion and be examined by Yocum.

Wright is slated to get a cortisone injection in a few days after his shoulder calms down. The Yankees are hoping Wright can avoid surgery and return in 4-6 weeks.

Chien-Ming Wang, nyy

The New York Yankees will recall Wang to start in place of Jaret Wright on Saturday. The Taiwan native will pitch against the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. At Triple-A Columbus, Wang is 2-0 with a 4.15 ERA and a .276 opponent batting average in four starts.

Wang is one of the few advanced pitching prospects remaining, as the Yankees have tended to use them to acquire veterans via trades. He could become a key player for the Yankees in 2005, in light of Wright's injury and Kevin Brown's ineffectiveness. Wang pitched for Taiwan's Olympic team last summer, shutting down Japan's team of professionals for seven innings before Colorado prospect Chin-Hui Tsao coughed up the lead and Taiwan's chance to advance to the medal round.

4/25/2005

Randy Johnson, nyy

On Sunday, in an 11-1 Yankees romp over Texas, Johnson turned in his first quality start since Opening Day, and also picked up his first "W" since beating Boston in the opener. Against the Rangers, the Big Unit worked eight innings, allowing three hits and a walk while fanning seven.

For the year in five starts, Johnson is 2-1 with a 4.19 ERA and .211 opponent batting average. He has fanned 34 in 34.1 innings and walked six.

Colter Bean, nyy

As a temporary roster filler, Bean has been recalled from Triple-A Columbus by the New York Yankees, as starter Jaret Wright was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right shoulder injury. According to general manager Brian Cashman, the team plans to bring up Chien-Ming Wang to take Wright's spot in the starting rotation later this week, so it is likely that Bean will be sent back down at that time.

Bean could see some time in relief during his short stint with the Yankees, and if he does, it will be his major league debut. In seven appearances with Columbus this season, Bean has tossed 8.1 shutout innings, striking out 14.

4/24/2005

Jaret Wright, nyy

The Yankees placed Wright, who is suffering from a shoulder injury, on the 15-day disabled list Sunday. Wright has struggled in four 2005 starts, going 2-2 with a burgeoning 9.15 ERA. Colter Bean was called up from Triple-A Columbus to take his roster spot temporarily, while Chien-Ming Wang will be summoned later this week to fill the void in the starting rotation, according to GM Brian Cashman.

Wright is no stranger to the disabled list. This is his eighth trip in his nine-year career, during which he has topped 100 innings only three times. He is expected to be sidelined 4-6 weeks.

4/23/2005

Jaret Wright, nyy

Wright left Saturday's game against Texas in the sixth inning with pain in his right shoulder. The pitcher, who signed a $21 million, three-year deal with the Yankees in the offseason, has had two operations on his throwing shoulder, but has been healthy the last couple of seasons.

4/22/2005

Mike Mussina, nyy

Mussina allowed fewer runs in two of his three previous starts, but it took until start No. 4 for the Yankees' righthander to nail down his first win of the new season. He worked just 5.1 innings and allowed 10 hits and three runs, but he was the winner of a 4-3 decision over Toronto on Thursday.

Mussina allowed just two runs in two previous starts, but the Yankees have scored just 10 runs for him in his four starts combined. The 37-year-old righthander also has been very hittable, allowing 33 hits in 22 innings of work. Batters have hit .363 against in 2005.

Sidney Ponson, nyy

Ponson is scheduled to start in Toronto on Sunday, but so far he has been unable to get a work visa to enter Canada because of his drunk-driving arrest in Florida. The Florida case is still pending, following his arrest in January, but the Orioles are hoping a work permit will be issued by Sunday. All of Ponson's paperwork is in Buffalo, where Ponson will have to travel before driving into Canada to join his teammates.

The Orioles are working on a contingency plan, in case Ponson doesn't get government clearance in time to pitch Sunday's game against the Jays.

Andy Phillips, nyy

Phillips will be making his second stint with the New York Yankees this season, as he has been recalled from Triple-A Columbus. The infielder fills the roster spot of designated hitter Ruben Sierra, who landed on the 15-day disabled list on Thursday, due to a right biceps injury. Phillips appeared in just two games with the Yanks earlier this month, but did not record an at-bat.

Phillips will be the Yankees' last option off the bench, so he has no fantasy value at this point. He was batting .429 with the minor league club.

4/21/2005

Bernie Williams, nyy

During the seventh inning of the Yankees' 11-2 romp over Toronto on Wednesday, Williams left the game with a sore left knee. The center fielder downplayed the discomfort and suggested he would be back in the lineup on Thursday. Manager Joe Torre also called the tenderness minor, but it's possible that Williams will be given a day off with the Yankees playing on the artificial turf of SkyDome.

Jesus Colome, nyy

Colome, diagnosed with shoulder tendinitis, will start playing catch this weekend. The Devil Rays' reliever is expected to need a few more days beyond his minimum 15 days on the disabled list to get ready to return. That puts Colome on schedule to return around May 5.

4/20/2005

Gary Sheffield, nyy

MLB's disciplinarian, Bob Watson, announced Wednesday that Sheffield won't be punished for his mild response to a Boston fan interfering with him while fielding a ball in the right-field corner at Fenway Park. Watson praised Sheffield for "not overreacting."

No lost time for Sheffield, which has to please his fantasy owners as much as it pleases the Yankees.

Randy Johnson, nyy

After looking impressive in his Opening Day win against the Red Sox, Johnson has looked less than stellar in three subsequent outings for the New York Yankees. On Tuesday, Eduardo Perez homered twice off Johnson as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays snapped their 11-game road losing streak against New York with a decisive 6-2 win. The lefthander has allowed at least five runs in each of his last three outings, and he's coughed up five home runs in his last two times out.

There's probably no reason to worry about Johnson, who now is 1-1 with a 5.13 ERA in four starts for the Yankees.

4/19/2005

Kyle Farnsworth, nyy

Farnsworth, who has been out with a strained left biceps in recent days, is ready to pitch for the Tigers again. He was available on Monday night, when Detroit romped to a 13-3 victory over Baltimore, but the hard-throwing 29-year-old righthander wasn't needed. He has posted a 5.40 ERA and nine strikeouts over 6.2 innings of relief in 2005.

4/18/2005

Tanyon Sturtze, nyy

On Monday, the New York Yankees placed Sturtze on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left oblique muscle. The 34-year-old righthander is 1-0 with a 6.10 ERA in six appearances this season.

To replace Sturtze in the bullpen, the Yankees are expected to recall lefthander Buddy Groom from Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday.

4/17/2005

Kevin Brown, nyy

Bothered by a bad back since late in spring training, Brown was activated Sunday from the disabled list and made his 2005 debut for the Yankees against Baltimore. It wasn't pretty for Brown and the struggling Yankees, as the 40-year-old righthander coughed up a pair of runs in the first inning and allowed a grand slam to Miguel Tejada in the second. Brown worked six innings of an 8-4 loss.

The Yankees shipped infielder Andy Phillips to Triple-A Columbus to make room for Brown.

Andy Phillips, nyy

Phillips, who was recalled by the Yankees near the start of the season when Kevin Brown went on the disabled list, was returned to Triple-A Columbus Sunday. He was sent down to make room for Brown, who made his 2005 debut in a losing effort against Baltimore.

Phillips, who enjoyed a solid spring training in Florida, appeared in two games but didn't get a plate appearance during his two-week stay.

4/16/2005

Kyle Farnsworth, nyy

Farnsworth is expected to miss a couple of games because of a biceps strain in his pitching arm. The reliever, who was traded to Detroit by the Chicago Cubs in the offseason, has appeared in six games for the Tigers so far in 2005, posting a 0-0 mark with a 5.40 ERA.

4/15/2005

Gary Sheffield, nyy

A fan leaned onto the field and grazed Sheffield across the face while the outfielder was trying to pick up a hit off the bat of catcher Jason Varitek in the eighth inning of Thursday's game against the Boston Red Sox. Sheffield responded with a minor shove, but restrained himself and got the ball back to the infield. The fan was tossed from Fenway, and Sheffield remained in the Yankees' lineup.

The entire altercation was minor, and a fine and/or suspension is not expected at this time. Sheffield finished the night 3-for-4 with a double, RBI and walk, and he's batting .306 with one home run, eight RBI and a stolen base in nine games this season.

Jesus Colome, nyy

Colome has been placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays after leaving Thursday's game against the Baltimore Orioles with tendinitis in his pitching shoulder. The righthander, who has allowed three runs on seven hits in 4.2 innings this season, will be replaced on the roster by Doug Waechter.

Shoulder problems limited Colome to just 33 appearances last season as well. He will undergo a few tests to determine the exact cause of his discomfort.

4/13/2005

Kevin Brown, nyy

After a bullpen session at Fenway Park on Tuesday, Brown is on course to start for the Yankees on Sunday in Baltimore. The 40-year-old righthander has been limited since aggravating his troublesome back when he slipped on the mound in a March 21 exhibition game against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Brown was 10-6 with a 4.09 ERA in 22 starts with the Yankees last season. Sunday will mark his 2005 debut.

4/12/2005

Bobby Abreu, nyy

With a single and double in Monday's win over the Florida Marlins, Abreu extended his multihit games streak to four. The Phillies' outfielder, who also stole three bases in Monday's contest, is batting .313 with one home run, five RBI and three steals in seven games this season.

Abreu can do it all. Last year, he hit .301 with 30 homers, 105 RBI, 118 runs scored and 40 stolen bases in 159 games. As long as he stays healthy, expect similar -- if not better -- numbers in 2005.

4/11/2005

Carl Pavano, nyy

In his second start for the Yankees on Sunday, Pavano took a Melvin Mora liner off the right side of his head. The New York righthander wasn't knocked down by the batted ball and avoided serious injury, but he did suffer what was deemed a mild concussion.

Pavano traveled with the team to Boston for the Yankees' three-game series with the Red Sox, which begins on Monday. There is some doubt about his availability to make his next start later in the week, so look for updates on his post-concussion symptoms.

Terrence Long, nyy

Long left the Royals' 8-3 win over the Angels Sunday with a charley horse in his left leg. The Kansas City outfielder is considered day-to-day, and his status is uncertain for Monday night, when the Royals return home to host Seattle in the start of a new series.

Long is off to a solid start, batting .353 (6-for-17) with four doubles. He has hit safely in his last four games.

4/9/2005

Johnny Damon, nyy

Damon did not play in Saturday's loss to the Toronto Blue Jays after suffering a gash on his left elbow that required six stiches. Jay Payton started in center field for the Red Sox in Damon's place.

4/8/2005

Derek Jeter, nyy

It appears Jeter will return to the Yankees' lineup for Friday's matchup with the Baltimore Orioles. The shortstop felt a bit woozy after taking a pitch off his left shoulder and the side of his batting helmet in the eighth inning of Wednesday's game against the Boston Red Sox. He was taken to the hospital to undergo some precautionary tests, but everything checked out fine. The team had Thursday off, giving Jeter some extra time to recover.

If the Yankees decide to give Jeter a little more time off, Rey Sanchez will fill the void in the lineup. Through three games this season, Jeter is 4-for-11 with a double, home run, RBI and stolen base.

4/6/2005

Mariano Rivera, nyy

Rivera was unable to protect Yankees leads in the ninth inning for the second consecutive day, blowing the save in Tuesday's loss to the Boston Red Sox. The veteran closer, who gave up a game-tying homer to catcher Varitek on Monday, was touched for five runs -- one earned -- on three hits and three walks in just two-thirds of an inning. He was pulled in favor of Felix Rodriguez.

There's a chance that the elbow bursitis that Rivera battled in spring training could be a minor issue. He blew just four saves in 74 appearances last season, but gave up the lead three times in the playoffs, and his struggles have continued to start 2005.

Derek Jeter, nyy

In the bottom of the eighth inning in Wednesday's game against the Boston Red Sox, a Mike Timlin pitch hit Jeter in the left shoulder and caromed off his batting helmet, knocking him to the ground. The Yankees' shortstop was able to remain in the game and run the bases, but was removed in the top of the ninth. According to manager Joe Torre, Jeter was feeling a bit woozy, so he was taken to the hospital to undergo some precautionary tests. He is listed as day-to-day.

Veteran Rey Sanchez filled the void in the lineup. The Yankees are off on Thursday, so expect Jeter to be available for Friday's meeting with the Baltimore Orioles. Through three games this season, he is 4-for-11 with a double, home run, RBI and stolen base.

4/5/2005

Kevin Brown, nyy

According to Yankees manager Joe Torre, Brown should resume throwing on flat ground within in the next couple of days, and if no problems are reported, he'll likely return to the mound shortly thereafter. The veteran righthander rejoined the club on Monday after working with a physical therapist the previous two days. Brown has been limited since aggravating his troublesome back when he slipped on the mound in a March 21 exhibition game against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Brown currently is on the 15-day disabled list, and he hopes to be ready for action when the Yankees need a fifth starter -- April 17. Jaret Wright, who was to be skipped the first time through the rotation, will start in Brown's stead for now. Tanyon Sturtze will fill the No. 5 hole if Brown is not ready in two weeks. Brown was 10-6 with a 4.09 ERA in 22 starts with the Yanks' last season -- his first year with the club.

Mariano Rivera, nyy

Rivera was brought in to close out Tuesday's matchup against the Boston Red Sox, but the veteran righthander blew the save opportunity, allowing a game-tying home to catcher Jason Varitek in the ninth inning. Luckily for Rivera, Derek Jeter followed suit with a longball of his own in the bottom of the frame, notching the victory for the closer and the Yankees.

Rivera blew just four saves in 74 appearances last season, but gave up the lead three times in the playoffs. He missed some time this spring with bursitis in his elbow, but the ailment was not the cause of his minor struggles on Tuesday. He should get back on track in his next outing.

Hideki Matsui, nyy

Matsui connected for a two-run homer in the third inning of Tuesday's victory over the Boston Red Sox, notching his second longball in as many games. Through the first two contests of the 2005 campaign, the Yankees' left fielder is 6-for-9 with two home runs and five RBI.

Matsui saw the majority of his at-bats in the sixth and seventh spots in the batting order last season, but this year, he'll likely split time between fourth and fifth and should see better pitches. He finished the 2004 campaign batting .298 with 31 home runs and 108 RBI. The durable Matsui has not missed a game since making his major league debut in 2003.

4/4/2005

Kevin Brown, nyy

After leaving Friday's exhibition start against the Detroit Tigers, Brown has been diagnosed with a stiff lower back. The injury has landed the veteran righthander on the 15-day disabled list for the New York Yankees, and will force him to miss at least the first two weeks of the regular season. Infielder Andy Phillips was recalled to fill the void on the roster.

Jaret Wright was expected to loose his first turn in the rotation because of the Yankees' off-days, but he will start in Brown's absence instead. Brown, who has battled back troubles in the past, was 10-6 with a 4.09 ERA in 22 starts with the Yanks' last season -- his first year with the club.

Andy Phillips, nyy

Phillips has been recalled from Triple-A Columbus by the New York Yankees, filling the roster spot of veteran righthander Kevin Brown, who will miss at least a couple of weeks with a stiff lower back. In 24 exhibition games this spring, Phillips hit .333 with four home runs, 13 RBI and a stolen base.

Phillips has no fantasy value at this point, as he will see limited action as a backup infielder for the Yankees.

4/3/2005

Jaret Wright, nyy

Wright no longer will be skipped the first time through the Yankees' starting rotation. He will take Kevin Brown's spot while Brown recovers from back problems. Wright is scheduled to make his first start on Friday April 9, and should get a second start on April 13.

Wright spent the 2004 campaign with the Atlanta Braves, going 15-8 with a career-best 3.28 ERA in 32 starts. In 186.1 innings, he struck out 159 and walked 70.