NEW YORK (AP) -Jason Giambi could be back with the New York Yankees within a week, leaving manager Joe Torre with an abundance of established players and not a lot of room to maneuver.
Giambi went 1-for-3 with a walk for Class-A Tampa on Tuesday night in his fourth minor league rehab game. He has been sidelined since May 30 after tearing tissue in his left foot.
Torre said Wednesday that Giambi will play at least one more game with Tampa before he continues his rehab stint with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He will play some first base there, and could join the Yankees on their next trip.
“If everything goes well, there’s a chance you’ll see him within the week,” Torre said.
Johnny Damon has gotten a lot of time at designated hitter with Giambi out, and Andy Phillips has established himself at first base. New York also acquired infielder Wilson Betemit from the Dodgers on Tuesday for reliever Scott Proctor.
“It’s going to be a problem, but it’s a nice problem to have,” Torre said.
Giambi was 4-for-13 on his rehab stint before Tampa’s game at Sarasota on Wednesday night. He is hitting .262 for New York with seven homers and 23 RBIs.
Damon was out of the starting lineup for the Yankees’ game against the Chicago White Sox. Shelley Duncan, who can also play first base, was the designated hitter and Melky Cabrera the center fielder.
“Well, you always want to be in there playing but it’s not my decision,” said Damon, who went 2-for-3 Tuesday night with his first homer since June 26. “Joe made out the lineup and I’m sure I’ll be back in there tomorrow. He’s trying to keep me as fresh as possible.”
New York also made two moves before their game against Chicago, reinstating right-hander Jeff Karstens from the disabled list and optioning infielder Chris Basak to their top farm club. Karstens takes Proctor’s roster spot and Basak’s demotion clears the way for Betemit, who was expected to arrive at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday night.
Karstens was injured April 28 when Boston’s Julio Lugo lined his first pitch off the side of his knee – breaking his right leg.
He tossed six scoreless innings Friday in his final rehab start for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, but will pitch out of the bullpen with New York.
“It doesn’t really matter you know,” Karstens said. “Pitching’s pitching. You’ve just got to go out there (and) get the guys out.”
Add A Comment