YANKEE NOTES

As insurance for an uncertain outfield situation, the Yankees are close to signing Terrence Long to a minor-league contract and adding him to the 40-man roster.

The club recently designated Triple-A infielder Felix Escalona for assignment and put him on waivers, knocking him off the club’s 40-man roster. The thinking goes that Escalona’s departure from the 40-man frees up a spot for Long, who presumably could be recalled if he finds his stroke at Columbus.

The 30-year-old left-handed hitter played with the Royals last season and apparently was in camp with Cincinnati this spring. In 137 games in KC in 2005, Long batted .279 with six homers and 53 RBIs.

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Shawn Chacon‘s teammates said his left-shin bruise was so bad, he probably shouldn’t have started Tuesday against the Rangers.

Joe Torre and Chacon said the right-hander should be able to make his start Sunday, but the pitcher admitted the bruise is “pretty bad.”

He will see a doctor for some more tests today, to determine if the blood in his shin is circulating properly.

“I had pain,” he said. “But it wasn’t an excuse.

“I’m healthy enough to pitch, but I’m feeling discomfort. There’s a lot of pressure in there. There’s a big hematoma in there. It’s really uncomfortable walking around, normal stuff.”

Chacon will be on a lighter program before his next start, trying to stay off the leg as much as possible. He is insistent about staying on turn, despite the pain.

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Gary Sheffield (contusion and sprain of the left wrist and hand) caught some balls in the infield during batting practice yesterday, and Torre said he thought the outfielder might take some dry swings with a bat as well.

Sheffield told his manager he’s “feeling better,” but the slugger told a Yankees PR person he had no timetable for when he’ll swing a bat.

Carl Pavano was scheduled to start for Double-A Trenton last night, slated for 80-90 pitches.