Wise content with role on stacked Yanks

NEW YORK -- Dewayne Wise understands his place on the Yankees' roster, which is to say that his playing time figures to be inconsistent at best.

"I'm pretty much in the game every day as a pinch-runner or a defensive replacement, but I haven't been getting many at-bats lately," Wise said. "My attitude's been good. I still come here every day and prepare myself just in case I have to go in the game."

Wise was in New York's starting lineup for a second straight game on Tuesday against the Indians, playing left field one night after he homered and tripled to drive in three runs in a 7-1 victory over Cleveland.

Wise, who was called up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on May 2, has previously played with five Major League teams. With the Yankees, however, he knew that the chances of starting every day would be slim and has worked to adapt to a bench role.

"When I was younger, this role was tough because I was so used to playing every day," Wise said. "But I think that up here [with the Yankees], I pretty much know my role from over the years. I'm going to be that guy to come in and pinch-run or play defense.

"It's been a while since I started a game, but I'm not going to go in there and chew out the manager about playing time. That's just something I won't do. I just try to stay ready."

A lifetime .218 hitter in 482 Major League games, Wise said that he once wondered why he hadn't been given more of a starting opportunity but no longer does.

"I thought about that years ago, but I don't look at it that way now," Wise said. "I try to do whatever it is; whatever team I'm on, try and be ready and do my job whenever I get my chance."