Yankees hurler Contreras goes to minors

[WebHamster]

Oakland, CA (Sports Network) - The New York Yankees optioned pitcher Jose Contreras to Single-A Tampa on Wednesday and recalled right-handed pitcher Bret Prinz from Triple-A Columbus.

The move came on the heels of a poor outing by Contreras, who allowed seven runs -- six earned -- on four hits in just two innings of work in Tuesday's start at Oakland, which was the shortest of his career as a starter.

Contreras began the season as a regular in the New York starting rotation, but has not fared well. In five starts in 2004, he has a 1-2 record with a lofty 9.47 earned run average.

The Cuban native was signed as a highly-touted non-drafted free agent by the Yankees prior to last season and finished 7-2 with a 3.30 ERA.

[eftda]

I went to the Yankees/A's game when he pitched... he looked like a Minor Leaguer... (and so does the A's pen )