TAMPA — If Joba Chamberlain’s flu-like symptoms that forced him to go home yesterday don’t improve enough to allow him to throw a bullpen session today, he could be in danger of falling into an early hole in the battle with Phil Hughes for the fifth starter’s spot.

Hughes and Chamberlain are slated to pitch against the Rays on Friday at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

“We sent him home because we prefer that the other 65 guys don’t get sick,” manager Joe Girardi said. “They said, he didn’t look good.”

Girardi wasn’t ruling out the sickness lingering.

“We will see how he is (today). It’s possible it could affect him,” Girardi said. “I hope it’s not a setback for the other 65 guys.”

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Girardi wants to see how Curtis Granderson and Brett Gardner, center fielders by trade, play left field this spring. However, Girardi is planning on using them in the same outfield during the exhibition season.

“During spring training we will play them in the same outfield together,” said Girardi, who didn’t confirm he planned to do that today when the Yankees open against the Pirates at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

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Chad Gaudin, Sergio Mitre and Alfredo Aceves, who officially are in the mix for the fifth starting spot, will face the Pirates. Reliever David Robertson will also pitch. Former Yankee Ross Ohlendorf will follow starter Paul Maholm for the Pirates. CC Sabathia faces the Phillies and Roy Halladay tomorrow.

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According to a person with knowledge of the situation, federal investigators have a list of 20 to 25 major league players they want to talk to about their relationship with Dr. Tony Galea.

On Monday, Alex Rodriguez confirmed they want to talk to him. Agents have already spoken to the Mets’ Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran.