Heathcott scratched with sore quad

OAKLAND -- Yankees rookie outfielder Slade Heathcott was scratched from Thursday's lineup against the Athletics due to a sore right quadriceps, and is hopeful that he can return to the diamond quickly.

Heathcott was replaced in center field by Chris Young, who batted eighth and went 0-for-3 with a walk in the Yankees' 5-4 loss to Oakland.

"I felt it a few days ago, just kind of tightened up," Heathcott said. "It's been very easily manageable. I came in today just a little more tender, and we just decided that giving it a day or two here would be better than four weeks."

Manager Joe Girardi said that Heathcott may have aggravated the injury last Friday, when he legged out a double in his first big league plate appearance.

Video: TEX@NYY: Heathcott rips a double for first career hit

"I think he's battled it in Triple-A a little bit, and battled it in Spring Training a little bit," Girardi said. "Part of it could have to do with the surgeries he's had on his knee, all the different things that you go through. We'll see how he is tomorrow."

Heathcott is hitting .353 (6-for-17) with one home run and three RBIs in six big league games.

"I don't think it's very serious," Heathcott said. "I've had it a couple times this offseason, and it hadn't been an issue whatsoever. Just take it day by day and see how it goes."