YANKEE NOTES

MINNEAPOLIS – Steve Karsay’s comeback from right shoulder bursitis suffered a serious setback in Tampa yesterday when the reliever had to stop throwing off a mound after 11 pitches.

Karsay will find out how serious the problem is when he visits Dr. James Andrews this morning in Birmingham.

“He didn’t feel right. I don’t know if they used the word pain or not but he didn’t feel right, so we are starting from scratch here,” Joe Torre said. “I am sure there is going to be some period of time where he isn’t doing anything. So you are looking down the road farther than we can see at this point.”

Karsay, who underwent back surgery in November, has been bothered by a sore shoulder since early in spring training.

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The news was a lot better on Mariano Rivera’s right groin. In one inning of work for the extended spring club against Toronto, Rivera gave up one hit and recorded one strikeout. He then threw 15 more pitches in the bullpen.

“That he threw after is good news,” Torre said.

Rivera will repeat the process tomorrow and if it goes well could be activated this week.

Derek Jeter played catch from 180 feet and caught balls for the first time yesterday in Tampa.

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Torre’s plans to play Hideki Matsui in center field and DH Bernie Williams yesterday were foiled by Bubba Trammell’s sore left ankle.

“If I DH’d Bernie, I wouldn’t have a spare outfielder,” said Torre, who didn’t want to risk Trammell’s ankle on the unforgiving Metrodome turf.

Trammell fouled a ball off the foot Sunday in his final at-bat and was removed for a pinch-runner. X-rays taken of the ankle yesterday were negative.

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The Yankees promoted utilityman Charles Gipson from Columbus and designated outfielder Chris Latham for assignment.

“He gives us more versatility,” GM Brian Cashman said of the 30-year- old Gipson, who spent the last five years with Seattle.

Latham, who appeared in four games and went 2-for-2, may hook up with the Yomiuri Giants, Matsui’s former team in Japan.

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Jeff Weaver (1-0, 2.95) opens a three-game series against the Angels in Anaheim tonight. RHP John Lackey (1-1, 7.17) goes for the hosts. Roger Clemens (3-0, 2.08) draws RHP Mickey Callaway (1-1, 5.17) tomorrow, and Andy Pettitte (3-0, 3.60) faces RHP Ramon Ortiz (2-2, 5.96) Thursday.