From Joe Lapointe:

Melky Cabrera replaced Damon in center field and batted ninth. Bobby Abreu, the slumping right fielder, batted first. Damon and manager Joe Torre discussed putting Damon on the disabled list, but Damon said he would not need 15 days to recover from pain that has plagued him, off and on, all season.

“I told them not even 10,’’ Damon said of the days needed to recover, then quickly added that he might not even need five days. The problem has occasionally forced Damon out of his fielding role for use solely as a designated hitter.