Yankees' Giambi placed on disabled list

[WebHamster]

Arlington, TX (Sports Network) - New York Yankees first baseman/designated hitter Jason Giambi was placed on the disabled list Saturday with a sprained right ankle.

Giambi, who is on the DL for the first time in his 10-year career, suffered the injury while rounding first base in the ninth inning of Friday's 9-7 defeat to Texas. He left on crutches after the game and underwent x-rays, which were negative.

The star slugger stroked a hit to right field, scoring Derek Jeter, but pulled up lame rounding the bag and limped his way to the base. Giambi was then replaced for pinch-runner Homer Bush.

Giambi has also missed some time in the past two weeks with back spasms and bursitis in his hip, both on the left side of his body. He is batting .270 with nine home runs and 24 RBI this season.

In a corresponding move, the Yankees recalled pitcher Jose Contreras from Triple-A Columbus and the Cuban righthander is expected to start Saturday's game.

Contreras went 1-2 with a 9.47 ERA in five starts with New York before being sent to the minors on May 5.