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Yankees first baseman Nick Johnson hits a two run double...

Yankees first baseman Nick Johnson hits a two run double in the bottom of the seventh inning against the Chicago White Sox. Credit: Christopher Pasatieri

The Yankees anticipated being without Nick Johnson for at least a month because of his sore right wrist. But the designated hitter could be shelved for an additional four to six weeks if he needs surgery, general manager Brian Cashman said.

Johnson received a cortisone shot a day or two after being placed on the disabled list May 8, but it will take a week to 10 days before its effectiveness is known.

"He'd be a $15-million-a-year player if he didn't have this history of injuries. Instead, you get what you get," Cashman said of Johnson, who spent time on the disabled list nine times before this season and missed all of 2007 (broken right femur) and most of 2008 (right wrist surgery) while a member of the Nationals.

"When he's healthy, you're going to get a real productive bat that's going to work the count, but at the same time, you have to deal with this, too. I knew I what was getting into when I started this thing. You keep your fingers crossed. Sometimes it works, right now he's down, so we'll try to get him back as soon as possible."

Park is back

Chan Ho Park (right hamstring strain) returned to the team Saturday and is expected to be activated Sunday for the series finale against the Twins, said Cashman, who watched Park pitch for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Friday night. Cashman said Park threw 25 pitches Friday - 12 in the game (10 for strikes) and the rest in the bullpen - but there is no timetable on when the reliever will be able to pitch for the Yankees or for how long.

Extra bases

Nick Swisher (left biceps strain) returned to the lineup yesterday, but manager Joe Girardi said he isn't sure if the switch hitter - who feels discomfort when he bats lefthanded - will face Twins righty Nick Blackburn Sunday . . . Curtis Granderson (left groin strain) continued his rehab Saturday by running eight 60-yard sprints. The centerfielder, who has been on the disabled list since May 2, said he feels "75 percent" and hopes to take batting practice Sunday . . . Reliever Alfredo Aceves (lower back) received an epidural injection Friday and likely won't be able to resume baseball activities for at least a week.

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