New York ? Johnny Damon has a mild strain in his right calf and was not in the New York Yankees’ lineup Thursday night against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

The speedy center fielder had an MRI exam earlier in the day, but the Yankees were waiting to try and determine whether it would be best to put him on the 15-day disabled list.

Damon, entering his 13th major-league season, has never been on the DL. He was in the trainer’s room receiving treatment before the game and issued a statement through a team spokesman.

Damon was hurt in Monday’s opening victory over Tampa Bay.

“We’ll see how it progresses,” manager Joe Torre said. “He’s obviously going to be our best barometer for this thing.”

Melky Cabrera started in center field for New York, and second baseman Robinson Cano was in the leadoff spot.