YANKEE NOTES

ST. PETERSBURG – Joe Torre said need was a little too strong a word to describe why Luis Sojo was named a special-assignment instructor yesterday by the Yankees. However, it’s clear to see the club is happy about having the popular former infielder back in the clubhouse where he will play a large role in supporting the Latin-American players.

“Luie is a trusting soul who is still on the fence between being a player and ending his career because he never wants to say goodbye,” Torre said of the 37-year-old Sojo. “What we haven’t had since Jose Cardenal left was a Latin coach to help guys along.”

Ever since last spring training when Sojo was a late cut, the Yankees have had an open invitation for him to work for them. Last summer, he took over as manager of Norwich (Double-A) and guided the Navigators to the Eastern League title. This year he didn’t want to manage but talked about scouting his native Venezuela for the Yankees. But the playing bug wouldn’t die and he spent the last month playing in Mexico until retiring Sunday.

“Brian Cashman called and I didn’t hesitate,” said Sojo, who will travel with the club but can’t be in uniform during the games or sit in the dugout. Yesterday he threw batting practice.

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Jose Contreras stopped by the Yankees’ clubhouse yesterday and remains upbeat about his strained right shoulder that he will test with a game of catch tomorrow at the minor-league complex.

“My arm is fine,” said Contreras, who will undergo an MRI next week to judge the wing. “I think once I start throwing, in five or six days I could be ready to pitch as long as the shoulder feels fine.”

Cashman said reliever Antonio Osuna is nine-to-13 days away from starting a rehab assignment. Osuna is on the DL with a groin problem.