Matsui won't play in field until at least June

According to this AP report, Hideki Matsui will only DH and pinch hit until June at the earliest.

"The earliest we would need him in the outfield would be interleague, and that's a ways off," Girardi said Wednesday. "That's why we envision him as our everyday DH. We need him. He's a great RBI guy. He's very important to our lineup."

Matsui didn't make the trip for Wednesday's game against the Houston Astros at Kissimmee after being the DH the previous four days.

"I think the fact my body, knee are getting used to it is a good sign," Matsui said through a translator.

This isn't exactly a shock, but it can limit the Yankees' options regarding lineup creation. Hopefully he'll hit well and it won't be a problem.