Contreras Impresses Yankees in Start

Jose Contreras made the New York Yankee rotation a little more crowded.

Contreras made an impressive pitch to remain a starter, giving up two hits in seven innings in his first career start as the visiting Yankees beat Detroit, 6-0, Friday night behind two homers by Jason Giambi.

“Of course I’d like to, but it’s not my decision,” Contreras said about staying in the rotation. “I’m going to keep preparing for whatever role I’m needed.”

Contreras, who left Cuba and signed a $32-million, four-year contract with New York in the off-season, got a one-start trial in place of an injured David Wells.

But with a strong first start, Jeff Weaver’s recent struggles and owner George Steinbrenner’s public wishes for Contreras to join the rotation, the Cuban defector’s stay might not be so brief.

“It’s a nice problem to have,” Manager Joe Torre said. “In this game, things have a way of working themselves out. I’m not about to make any decision before I have to.”

The Yankees have won three in a row after a season-high five-game losing streak.

Kansas City 11, Oakland 6 -- Michael Tucker tied a career-high with five runs batted in as the Royals roughed up Athletic starter Tim Hudson at Kansas City, Mo., to end a losing streak at four.

Hudson (4-2) gave up nine runs -- six earned -- and 10 hits in 3 2/3 innings, his shortest outing since lasting three innings at Texas on Sept. 19, 2001.

Seattle 6, Minnesota 0 -- Joel Pineiro pitched a four-hitter and set a career high with 12 strikeouts at Minneapolis.

Pineiro rebounded from a poor outing last week against the Twins -- he gave up 12 hits and six runs -- to lead the Mariners to their fourth straight win with the second shutout of his career.

Toronto 13, Boston 2 -- Vernon Wells hit a three-run homer and Carlos Delgado, Greg Myers and Frank Catalanotto also drove in three runs apiece at Toronto. Boston’s three-game losing streak is its first of the season.

Baltimore 8, Texas 1 -- Omar Daal gave up one run in eight innings at Baltimore, and the Orioles kept up their assault on the Ranger pitching staff. The Orioles have scored 35 runs against the Rangers in four games over seven days.

Cleveland 7, Chicago 3 -- C.C. Sabathia returned from a sprained ankle to get the victory when Ben Broussard hit a two-run homer in the fifth inning at Cleveland.