YANKEE NOTES

The likelihood that Bernie Williams (shoulders) will wind up on the disabled list seemed to dwindle yesterday.

“We’re really expecting Bernie back Friday,” Yankee manager Joe Torre said before last night’s 7-1 win over the O’s.

“If it’s long-term, we gotta look at a long-term solution. If it’s long-term, we’ll probably have to put him on the disabled list. But we don’t anticipate that happening.”

Williams, mired in an 0-for-19 nightmare, defined his frustration.

“It’s like I’m just jabbing,” he said. “I’m not generating any power, and it’s very frustrating. Pitches in the past that I’ve been able to drive, I’m just trying to put the ball in play. I’m not that kind of player, at least not at this point in my career.”

Gerald Williams was in center field batting ninth last night.

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Andy Pettitte (elbow) did not throw yesterday.

“It feels better today, a little better,” he said yesterday. “All I know is that I won’t be able to throw before Saturday and we won’t make a decision about when I’ll pitch again until I play catch.” …

Sterling Hitchcock threw 54 pitches off the mound in Florida. He is to pitch three innings or 50 pitches Saturday in an extended-spring game.