Mike

Mussina

The 24-year-old Matsuzaka is still three years away from free agency. He may get posted before then, but the Lions aren’t in any hurry to let him go. He’s the first Pacific League pitcher to receive a salary of 250 million yen.

David Wells is also expected to be available. About the only pitchers on both teams who won’t be available tonight are last night’s starters, Andy Pettitte and John Burkett.

Javier Vasquez will go Tuesday instead. With the Yankees still expected to go with a six-man rotation for the time being, the shuffle will not cost Mussina a start this week.

During batting practice yesterday, Mussina stretched, played catch and lightly tested his groin. “I felt all right,” Mussina said. “It’s about what I expected. I did most everything and just took it casually.” The Yankees are hopeful Mussina can pitch on Thursday, as Kevin Brown is also hobbled right now with a back injury, leaving only Tanyon Sturtze to fill in if needed.

There is no reason to believe he will not make his next scheduled start this weekend. It seems that Mussina’s groin injury is longer an issue.

The Yankee RHP, who has not pitched since June 10th due to a right groin muscle strain, will be opposed by LHP Matt Riley.

You’ll want Mussina active next week.

Not good news for the Yankees, or Mussina fantasy owners. If his elbow trouble continues to linger, expect the Yankees to deal for one if not two starters in the next couple of weeks.

Mussina apparently didn’t respond well to pitching on three days’ rest on Tuesday. Stay tuned.

No official announcement is expected tonight. “He isn’t hurt,” a Yankee source told MLB.com. “He just felt some soreness, so they want to be careful, give him a little extra rest with the All-Star break this week.”