Berkman's status unclear after stepping on Butler's foot

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Lance Berkman said the collision at first that caused him to jam his right ankle isn't "anything major," though the designated hitter's availability for Monday is questionable.

After Robinson Cano got the Yankees' first hit of yesterday's 1-0 loss, a one-out single in the fifth inning, Berkman grounded into a 3-6-1 double play to end the inning.

"I was just running and I stepped on his foot," Berkman said. "That started my ankle rolling and then it went off the edge of the bag and that made it a little worse. I just basically sprained my ankle."

Joe Girardi and trainer Steve Donohue tended to Berkman and led the limping designated hitter off the field.

Berkman was pulled from the game - Marcus Thames batted the next time the DH spot came up, in the eighth - but said he could have continued.

"I tried to get them to let me go back out there," Berkman said when asked if he could play Monday. "I think it was precautionary. We'll just see how it feels. It started to swell a little bit, so we'll see how it does on the plane."

Here's Johnny

The Yankees have already seen Johnny Damon in a Tigers uniform - first in spring training and then in May in Detroit - but Monday will be the first time at Yankee Stadium.

"I think he'll get a warm ovation," Girardi said. "I think Johnny will have a lot of smiles on his face. It's [always] good seeing Johnny. First time coming back, I think it will be enjoyable. I always thought Johnny had a good relationship with the fans. Johnny's a very warm human being and I think the people really appreciated him and he appreciated them."

Pettitte throws tomorrowGirardi said LHP Andy Pettitte (left groin strain) would play catch tomorrow at the Stadium and, should there be no setbacks, he'd throw off a mound. If he comes through both sessions OK, Girardi said, the lefthander would likely try to throw another simulated game Thursday or Friday. Pettitte suffered a setback Friday in Tampa when he felt he could push off at only about 75 percent.

Progress for Marte

LHP Damaso Marte (left shoulder inflammation) threw a half-mound session before yesterday's game, the first time he's done so since landing on the disabled July 17.

"It went well," Girardi said after the game. "We'll talk about him doing a full [mound] Tuesday." Before the game, Girardi said even in a best-case scenario, "it would be pretty hard" for Marte to be back before rosters expand Sept. 1.