Rafael Soriano's big day began with a flight from Tampa to New York City, a visit to New York Presbyterian Hospital for an MRI on his sore right elbow, a consultation with team physican Dr. Chris Ahmad and finally, a trip to the 15-day disabled list.

According to Joe Girardi, Soriano's MRI came back "clean,'' meaning the Yankees believe his problem is a simple case of inflammation that will be cured by rest.

In his place, the Yankees recalled OF Chris Dickerson, acquired in March in the Sergio Mitre trade, from AAA Scranton. Dickerson endured a five-hour bus ride from Pawtucket to Scranton, a short plane flight to Philadelphia and then a longer flight here to Tampa. He arrived at Tropicanas Field at 2:30 p.m. and found himself in the starting lineup, batting 9th and playing rightfield in place of the slumping Nick Swisher, who Girardi said was ill. Dickerson was hitting .248 with one home run and 11 RBI for Scranton.