--RHP Phil Hughes was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right oblique strain in a move that was announced in the seventh inning of Wednesday night's game -- a few hours after manager Joe Girardi said the pitcher was healthy. It added up to some confusion and contention between Girardi and reporters, who had continually asked the manager before the game if Hughes would make his next start and were told "he's in the rotation right now." The pregame questions came due to Hughes' 0-4 record and 9.00 ERA, but after the game Hughes said he had felt something in his oblique in his start in Chicago on April 24 and again Tuesday night against Detroit. The rookie said he only told the trainers Tuesday night because he didn't think it was a factor before then. General manager Brian Cashman said Hughes likely would be out longer than the 15 days and acknowledged it might be a good time for the pitcher to have a "timeout" after struggling.
--RHP Darrell Rasner would be the most likely choice to take RHP Phil Hughes' spot in the rotation, starting Sunday, general manager Brian Cashman said. Rasner has gone 4-0 with an 0.87 ERA for Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and Cashman said he's "the best candidate." Hughes was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right oblique muscle. --3B Alex Rodriguez, who was placed on the disabled list with a Grade 2 strain of his right quadriceps, acknowledged he tried to return too soon. "I think I made it worse," Rodriguez said. "I think I went from a 1 to a 2." Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said things could have been different, and manager Joe Girardi spoke of looking at things in hindsight. In any case, the Yankees will now be without Rodriguez for at least 15 days, and it could be longer. Girardi said he'll use a combination of Morgan Ensberg and Alberto Gonzalez in Rodriguez's place.
--C Chad Moeller cleared waivers, and the Yankees were able to sign the veteran catcher to a one-year deal. They optioned less experienced C Chris Stewart to Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to make room. Moeller had been designated for assignment last week by the Yankees, but they were happy to have him back after he cleared waivers since Jorge Posada was placed on the disabled list.
--RHP Brian Bruney has opted not to have surgery on his right foot and will attempt to rehab by using a protective boot for about a month and going through treatment after that. Bruney chose that option in the hopes of returning in August because surgery likely would have ended his season.
BY THE NUMBERS: 1,450 -- Games Yankees C Jorge Posada had played before making his first trip to the disabled list.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Everybody's not perfect; it's the way it's going to be." -- RHP Joba Chamberlain, after taking the first major league loss of his career on April 24.
