--LHP Andy Pettitte won't start the season on the disabled list, but his first start has been pushed back due to a recent bout with back spasms. Pettitte, who was scratched from his March 22 start, is now scheduled to pitch April 3 or 4 instead of April 2. RHP Mike Mussina will move up to face Toronto on April 2. If Pettitte comes out of a bullpen session Wednesday with no problems, he could pitch against minor-leaguers this weekend.

--1B Jason Giambi, attempting to prove his defense is sound enough for him to remain on the field, is winning over manager Joe Girardi. "He's been great," Girardi said. Giambi was 2-for-2 with a home run Monday, lifting his spring average to .406.

--OF Johnny Damon was scratched from the lineup Monday due to the flu. He is day-to-day.

--LHP Sean Henn, who has a 3.00 ERA in three appearances this spring, tested his sore shoulder in a side session Monday. He could return to action as soon as Wednesday.

--RHP Chris Britton was optioned to Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Monday. He allowed two runs (one earned) in five innings this spring. Britton had a 3.55 ERA in 11 relief appearances for New York last year.

--OF Brett Gardner went into the final week of spring training with a legitimate shot of making the club. Even if he failed to break camp with the team, manager Joe Girardi anticipated that the speedy and solid defensive outfielder would impact the big-league roster this season. Gardner was batting .393 with six stolen bases in his first 28 at-bats this spring.

--INF Morgan Ensberg increased his chances of making the club when he was added to the 40-man roster. The club has a need for an accomplished right-handed power hitter off the bench who could occasionally spell 1B Jason Giambi. Ensberg, a natural third baseman, can also fill in at second base.

--LHP Billy Traber had positioned himself to make the club as a left-handed specialist or as a reliever who could provide multiple innings, if necessary. Traber did not allow an earned run in his first seven appearances of the spring and struck out seven and walked one in 6 2/3 innings.

--RHP Scott Patterson, despite not having any big-league experience, has placed himself among the finalists for a relief role. Signed out of an independent league in 2006, Patterson, 28, allowed no runs and just one hit over his first six relief appearances this spring, covering six innings.

BY THE NUMBERS
11 -- The number of legitimate reliever candidates still battling for three remaining spots in the final week of camp.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"The bullpen is probably the hardest decision to make because everyone's throwing so well." -- Manager Joe Girardi

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