LF Damon bothered by sore arch

Jun 25, 2008 - 3:52 PM PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- The New York Yankees are hoping that a sore left arch will not land left fielder Johnny Damon - the hottest hitter in the major leagues over the past month - on the disabled list for the first time in his career.

During Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Reds, Damon informed manager Joe Girardi that he was experiencing pain in the arch. He managed to finish the game, but the foot showed no improvement by Tuesday - even with a day off on Monday - and Damon was kept out of the lineup against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

"It's the first time this year that I've felt really bad," Damon said. "We know that I definitely need my legs to help this team."

Since May 20, Damon is batting .413, but he went 0-for-4 against the Reds on Sunday and added that it would take "a miracle" for him to play against the Pirates on Wednesday.

"He's played a lot," Girardi said. "A couple days of treatment may help it."

With Hideki Matsui likely limited to pinch-hitting duty in Pittsburgh due to a swollen left knee, the Yankees found themselves shorthanded in the outfield and were forced to purchased the contract of outfielder Justin Christian from Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday..

Christian was inserted into the starting lineup and recorded two hits in his major league debut, including a two-run double.