Injury and ailment update

[RLA68]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2053447

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- New York Yankees outfielder Bernie Williams is scheduled to have an MRI on his ailing right elbow when the team returns home on Friday.

Williams, the starting center fielder since late in the 1992 season, lost his spot because of tendinitis in the elbow when the Yankees revamped their lineup Tuesday. The injury has affected his throwing from the outfield.

"I haven't talked about the disabled list," New York general manager Brian Cashman said before Wednesday night's game at Tampa Bay. "Right now this is a precaution to see what's going on."

Manager Joe Torre said Williams is not expected to take batting practice or throw until after the tests on the elbow are completed. Torre said Williams is available to pinch hit.

"We'll wait and see what we see and then make a decision," Torre said. "Nobody's talking the DL. We just want to find out what's going on in there."

Williams is hitting .247 with one homer and nine RBIs in 26 games this season.

Torre said struggling right-hander Kevin Brown will make his next scheduled start Sunday. Brown has lost seven straight starts dating to last season, and is 0-4 with an 8.25 ERA in four outings this year.

"That's our plan," Torre said. "We need him to pitch well."

Randy Johnson, who was scratched from his scheduled start Wednesday because of tightness in his left groin, played catch in the outfield.

"He was good," pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre said.

The Yankees expect Johnson to make his next start Monday. A final decision will be made after the left-hander throws a couple of more times.

Cashman said pitcher Jaret Wright, who will likely miss at least four to six weeks with a right shoulder strain, will see Dr. Lewis Yocum on Monday. He is undergoing treatment for the injury.

[RLA68]

www.yankees.com

No Mo: For a second straight day, Mariano Rivera was not available for the Yankees out of the bullpen on Sunday. Rivera threw 50 pitches in Friday night's loss, and Torre said he would not use the closer until Monday at the earliest.

"He may say yes," Torre said regarding Rivera's availability, "but with 50 pitches, we'll probably give him two days off."

Giambi back: After missing four games as a result of being hit in the head with a pitch, Jason Giambi was back in the lineup on Sunday. Giambi started as the team's DH and batted eighth.

"He came to me, and there was no hesitation," Torre said.

Giambi was originally penciled into Saturday's lineup, but Torre scratched him before the game.