Joe Girardi says it will be difficult for Mariano Rivera to return this season

The Yankees partook of their usual pregame ritual Tuesday: batting practice; infield practice; manager Joe Girardi's update on the not-quite physically firm.

On Monday, Mariano Rivera expressed hope of returning from his torn knee ligament for postseason play, but Girardi said Rivera "would have to pitch some [minor-league] games before the regular season ends."

"I don't think you can throw him out there without having somewhat of a spring training-like example" -- which Girardi estimated as six or seven appearances over 18 to 20 days. "He didn't say he was going to definitely make it back. He's trying, but my anticipation is it's going to be very difficult because it's a short period of time."

Rivera, meanwhile, was scheduled to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange this morning.

Girardi said he had no further information on Brett Gardner, who was to have another MRI on his injured elbow Tuesday.

McDonald cut

Outfielder Darnell McDonald, claimed off waivers from the Red Sox on July 4, was designated for assignment to make room for pitcher CC Sabathia's return from the disabled list. During his brief stay with the Yankees, McDonald shed his dreadlocks to meet team rules on haircuts -- and went 0-for-4 at the plate.

Bautista goes on DL

The Blue Jays placed Jose Bautista on the 15-day disabled list with inflammation in his left wrist and called up outfielder Anthony Gose from Triple-A Las Vegas. The team did not give a timetable for Bautista's return. After leaving Monday's game against the Yankees when he felt pain in his wrist on an eighth-inning swing, the All-Star slugger had an MRI Tuesday that revealed the inflammation.

The two-time defending AL home run champion was tied for second in the majors with 27 homers. With AP