Yankees notes, July 7

By Caleb Breakey/MLB.com


NEW YORK -- Johnny Damon, who started in left field for the first time in six years on Friday, stole two bases in the Yankees' 14-9 win over the Angels and has 15 steals on the season despite enduring various lingering injuries.
While he said that playing left field felt uncomfortable, Damon said that stealing the bases was gratifying.
"He has that ability," Yankees manager Joe Torre said. "It hasn't been happening on a regular basis, but I think he's probably physically feeling pretty good right now.
"And I talked to him today about the fact that it's probably a good idea to get him into the outfield here and there just to sort of keep the blood turning. This is a nice situation for him where he can DH. I think the fact that he plays out there, it sort of helps you be in the game. He's so used to being in the game, and it helps your personality."
Damon said that stealing bases is a big part of his game, and even though he's been slowed by injuries, he doesn't believe that pitchers have taken his sore hamstrings for granted.
"The thing is, I don't think they forget about me," Damon said. "Rickey Henderson has a reputation -- people know that if Rickey's on base right now, Rickey can still steal. At least I know they think I'm capable of running just a little bit right now."
Damon has been open about playing anywhere the team needs him, and Torre ran with the gesture before Saturday's game.
"I kidded him today," Torre said. "I called him into the coach's room. I showed him his name [but] I didn't show him his position. I said, 'Did you bring your first baseman's mitt?'"
Bombers bits: First baseman Andy Phillips didn't start for a second consecutive game on Saturday because of a stiff neck. Torre said Phillips could have played but decided to give him one more day of rest. ... The knuckle on Luis Vizcaino's right index finger felt better Saturday after keeping him from pitching on Friday. He was available to throw against the Angels on Saturday, Torre said.
Coming up: Chien-Ming Wang (8-4, 3.58 ERA) will face off with Ervin Santana (5-9, 5.35 ERA) when the Yankees and Angels finish their three-game series at Yankee Stadium on Sunday at 1:05 p.m. ET.