So when he was left off the roster when camp broke, despite pitching well in the spring, Tomko took his frustrations out on minor-league hitters.

After posting a 0.64 ERA in 14 innings at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, the Yankees purchased Tomko's contract yesterday.

To make room on the 25-man roster, the team optioned right-hander reliever David Robertson to Triple A. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Yankees designated right-hander Eric Hacker for assignment.

The move continues a shakeup of a Yankees' bullpen that has been ineffective most of the season. Though Tomko has been a starter most of his career, and was seen as a long relief candidate during camp, manager Joe Girardi said Tomko could pitch more than one inning. But he won't be used as a long man.

"He's a guy I'm not afraid to use in the late innings because he has some experience," Girardi said.

When he was left off the Opening Day roster, Tomko said he approached the team about closing games in Triple A as a way to speed up his transition to the bullpen by being exposed to pressure situations.

"Not that I'd ever be a closer," Tomko said. "I thought it would be a good way to get into the heart of the game, with the game on the line."

The move appears to have worked.

"They just said to be ready to pitch," Tomko said. "Whatever role it is ... it doesn't mater."

When Alex Rodriguez arrived at the ballpark before the Yankees faced the Orioles last night, Girardi checked in quickly with the slugger.

The exchange, the manager said, went something like this:

"How do you feel?"

"Great."

"OK, good."

And with that, Rodriguez was penciled into the lineup at third base for the second straight day. Girardi said he was pleased with what Rodriguez was able to do in his return on Friday night.

"I was happy with everything that I saw," he said.

But Girardi said he would also look for opportunities to give A-Rod some breathers when its convenient, such as in Toronto, where the star might be used as a designated hitter to save his hip from playing on the unforgiving artificial turf. The Yankees open a three-game series with the Blue Jays on Tuesday night

Girardi said the Yankees want to see how Rodriguez's hip holds up, which is a big reason that both infielders Angel Berroa and Ramiro Pena remain on the roster.

Rodriguez wasn't available for comment before the game.

Pitcher Chien-Ming Wang (adductor muscle weakness, hips) will make his next rehab start on Tuesday, though Girardi said it is likely to come with one of the Yankees' minor-league affiliates, not in extended spring training.

Reliever Brian Bruney (flexor muscle strain, right elbow) played catch from 60 feet. He is expected to play catch from 90 feet tomorrow. He will also play long toss.