Mini-slump not affecting Soriano's approach

TORONTO -- Alfonso Soriano is off to a slow start this season, having gone hitless in his first 17 at-bats for the Yankees before a fifth-inning single against the Blue Jays on Sunday, but the slugger said that he is not allowing the drought to enter his mind.

"I know who I am," Soriano said. "When I get my first hit, I'll be OK."

Yankees manager Joe Girardi is sticking by Soriano, who batted fifth and served as the designated hitter on Sunday. Soriano said that he has been able to get out of funks like this one in the past.

"The last couple of years, I started slow," Soriano said. "It's only like four games, so it's nothing that I have to rush. I've got plenty of time to recover. It's nothing to worry [about]. I just feel more comfortable at home plate every day."

Soriano went hitless in four at-bats during Saturday's 4-0 loss to the Blue Jays, including a swinging strikeout in the eighth inning against Sergio Santos that left two men on.

"I saw the ball good, and I hit the ball good a couple of times [Saturday]," Soriano said. "That's most important for me. If I hit the ball good, sooner or later, my first hit is going to come."