Yankees Put Mussina on DL

The New York Yankees have one more reason to want Randy Johnson. Mike Mussina went on the disabled list because of a sore right elbow Friday, two days before he was scheduled to return to the rotation.

Mussina, who has fluid in his elbow, will be eligible to come off the DL on Thursday. Alex Graman was recalled from triple-A Columbus to take his roster spot.

With Mussina’s setback and Kevin Brown coming off a rough outing at double-A Trenton on Thursday, the Yankees may be more motivated to make a move for pitching help by the July 31 trade deadline. Brown has been out since June 10 because of a strained back and an intestinal parasite. But if Johnson joined the Yankees, he would most likely push their payroll to nearly $200 million.

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Carlos Delgado said that he won’t waive his no-trade clause, preferring instead to stay in Toronto to finish the final year of his $64-million contract. General Manager J.P. Ricciardi asked Delgado last week whether he would be willing to be traded. The slugger gave his answer before the Blue Jays played at Texas to open the second half of their season.

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Pitcher Mark Prior has irritation in the lining around the bone of his elbow, but there is no structural damage in the ligament or nerve, tests showed Friday. Chicago Cub General Manager Jim Hendry said there was no immediate plan to put the right-hander on the disabled list.

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Chicago White Sox designated hitter Frank Thomas is expected to miss eight weeks because of a broken bone in his left foot.

Thomas was placed on the disabled list last Saturday because of inflammation in his ankle, but an MRI test this week revealed a stress fracture in his foot, the team said.