YANKEE NOTES
CHICAGO – The Yankees are going to be without Nick Johnson longer than expected because his fractured right hand isn’t healing as quickly as predicted.
When Johnson went on the DL on May 17, the Yankees announced he would be out four to six weeks. That put his return sometime around July 1. However, a bone scan taken Thursday revealed the cracked bone isn’t completely healed yet, and Johnson’s hand remains in a cast.
“[The test] showed it wasn’t well yet,” Joe Torre said of Johnson’s wrist. “They will take a look at it in a couple of weeks.”
Asked about Johnson’s return date, Torre admitted he will not see his first baseman/DH early next month.
“It’s probably longer than that right now,” Torre said.
Whenever there is a hand issue with Johnson, it’s never cut and dried. He missed the entire 2000 minor-league season with a mysterious right hand injury. So, there is a chance the Yankees could be without the hitter who helped them post a 21-6 record in April for quite a while. When he was shelved, Johnson led the AL in walks (33) and on-base percentage (.455).
An extended absence could change the way the Yankees go about making a July or August deal. Right now, their focus is on adding right-hander Ugueth Urbina to the bullpen, but if they can’t count on Johnson, they may have to shop for a bat. Pittsburgh’s Brian Giles would be the ideal hitter to acquire.
* Bernie Williams did light weight exercises yesterday on his left knee that was operated on May 27. If everything goes well, Williams is likely to return immediately after the All-Star break.
* Kerry Wood wasn’t the only Cubs pitcher Jason Giambi was impressed by yesterday. Giambi marveled at lefty reliever Mike Remlinger’s decision to throw a 3-2 change-up to him with two outs and the bases loaded in the eighth.
“You have to tip your cap; he has [guts],” said Giambi, who swung through the pitch to end the inning. “I tried to foul it off because it was too close to take.”