ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) - New York Yankees right-fielder Xavier Nady will be put on the disabled list with a right elbow injury and could be sidelined for an extended period.
Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Wednesday that the initial report from an MRI on Nady's elbow "is not good.""We're planning on DL-ing him Thursday," Girardi said.
Nick Swisher will replace Nady in right field.
Nady felt a sharp pain while making a throw in the seventh inning of Tuesday night's 7-2 win over Tampa Bay. He had elbow ligament replacement surgery on Sept. 29, 2001.
"It's sore," Nady said. "I'll get a better understanding (Thursday). The original report didn't look great. It's frustrating. It's tough."
Nady will be re-examined by Yankees team doctor Christopher Ahmad on Thursday. Neither Girardi nor Nady would disclose details about the initial medical report.
"Let's hope Doctor Ahmad can put a brighter picture on it," Girardi said.
Also, Girardi said it's possible that injured third baseman Alex Rodriguez, who had right hip surgery just over five weeks ago, could start taking batting practice by this weekend. A-Rod is expected to rejoin the team by May 15.
Struggling right-hander Chien-Ming Wang, who is 0-2 with a 29.38 ERA in two starts this season, threw a 21-pitch batting practice session. He has had trouble keeping his pitches down in the strike zone, and worked on slowing down the left leg during his delivery.
"Good day," Wang said. "Felt better. I'll keep working in the bullpen."
Wang, who missed the final 3 1/2 months last season with a foot injury, will have a short bullpen session Thursday in preparation for his next start Saturday.
"It's more of what you'll see during the game," Girardi said about Wang throwing BP. "He looked all right."
Third baseman Cody Ransom, filling in for Rodrgiuez, and designated hitter Hideki Matsui were both out of the lineup against the Rays for the second straight game. Ramiro Pena started at third, while starting catcher Jorge Posada was the DH.
Left fielder Johnny Damon started Wednesday after missing one game due to illness.
After the Yankees' 3-2 win over Tampa Bay on Wednesday, Girardi announced his starting lineup for Thursday's home opener at the new Yankee Stadium.
Derek Jeter is hitting leadoff and will be followed by Damon, Mark Teixeira, Nick Swisher, Posada, Robinson Cano, Matsui, Ransom and Brett Gardner. CC Sabathia will be the starting pitcher.
Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and his two sons, team co-chairman Hank and Hal Steinbrenner, are expected to attend Thursday's game against the Cleveland Indians.
