Minneapolis ? The New York Yankees sent pitcher Jose Contreras to Triple-A Columbus and recalled left-hander Randy Choate on Saturday.

Contreras, who signed a $32 million, four-year contract this winter after a stellar career in Cuba, was 1-0 with a 10.80 ERA in five appearances for the Yankees.

“I had a feeling it was coming,” Contreras said through an interpreter. “Of course I’d like to be here with this team, but unfortunately I don’t have the opportunity right now to pitch consistently.”

New York manager Joe Torre talked all week about making the move to give the 32-year-old more chances to pitch.

The Yankees’ starting rotation of Mike Mussina, Roger Clemens, David Wells, Andy Pettitte and Jeff Weaver is thriving, and there weren’t enough innings available to Contreras to keep him sharp.