Nunez set to begin rehab assignment Thursday

NEW YORK -- Yankees shortstop Eduardo Nunez was scheduled to begin a Minor League rehabilitation assignment on Wednesday for Class A Advanced Tampa in the Florida State League, but after a rainout, Nunez is expected to play in his first game for Tampa on Thursday.

Nunez, 26, has not played in a game since May 5 because of a left oblique strain that he subsequently re-injured while rehabbing in Tampa, Fla., and is on New York's 60-day disabled list.

Nunez started the season as the Yankees' everyday shortstop with Derek Jeter on the disabled list but batted just .200 (16-for-80) with no home runs and four RBIs in 27 games.

"We expected Derek, and then that changed," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "Nunie went down, and we've had a number of guys who have played shortstop since then.

"[The plan has] changed a little bit, but I don't really think it changes what your goal is. Your goal is always the same; you just end up making a lot more moves than you anticipated, and looking for players that can help you."