Yankees juggle pitching staff

ST. PETERSBURG -- After surrendering 27 runs to the Rays over the last two games and losing Ivan Nova to injury, the Yankees shuffled their pitching staff prior to Sunday's series finale at Tropicana Field.

In addition to reinstating first baseman Mark Teixeira from the 15-day disabled list, New York recalled right-hander Preston Claiborne from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and right-hander Bryan Mitchell from Double-A Trenton.

"We spent a lot of time last night talking about the moves that we were going to make to get some extra pitching here and activate Tex," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said.

Nova was placed on the 15-day disabled list with an ulnar collateral ligament injury to his right elbow, and New York optioned infielder Scott Sizemore to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The club also designated right-hander Matt Daley for assignment.

Girardi said that it was a difficult decision to send down Sizemore, who had four hits in 13 at-bats (.308) with two doubles and four RBIs in five games after he returned from his second reconstructive knee surgery.

Dean Anna and Yangervis Solarte remain on the roster as reserve infielders. Girardi said that Anna's ability to play shortstop gave him an edge over Sizemore.

"It's tough. The kid did everything right," Girardi said of Sizemore. "Obviously, he has put himself back on the map. He's been hurt the last couple of years, but he helped us win a couple of games. Sometimes it comes down to a numbers game."