Burnett has been dealing with a back problem that doctors do not believe is going to go away on its own.

Manager Joe Girardi isn’t ready to go that far, saying he thinks that Burnett can get healthy and pitch better.

If not, Burnett could be headed for the disabled list with Sergio Mitre being the most likely candidate to replace him.

The Chicago Cubs have put Ted Lilly on waivers, and the Yankees could claim him as another option.

The MRI showed the continuation of a small strain of his left groin which continues to hold up his return.

Pettitte will continue to throw off of flat ground but is not expected to pitch off the mound for at least a week.

The Yankees could really use Pettitte’s arm back in the starting rotation as they try to hold on in the American League East.

The left-hander said he feels like he is getting better, but he starts to feel the groin when he throws at 100 percent.

Sergio Mitre will take Pettitte’s place in the starting rotation at least temporarily, but likely until he returns.

The Yankees were so close to landing ace Cliff Lee in a trade with the Seattle Mariners, but instead lost out on him and now are without Pettitte.

As the Yankees continue to battle the Rays and Red Sox for the A.L. East crown, they can’t afford to lose someone like Pettitte.

The southpaw has been absolutely sensational this year in what may be the best season of his career.

From the moment he purchased the New York Yankees in the early days of 1973, George Steinbrenner pumped his sometimes over-the-top, always focused-on-the-top spirit into Major League Baseball’s signature franchise.

Even in the hours following his death early Tuesday morning, the image of Steinbrenner driving the Yankees to world championships reigned supreme. Steinbrenner passed away following a heart attack at his Tampa, Fla., home, at the age of 80.

A successful businessman in his days before becoming one of American sports’ most iconic owners, Steinbrenner feuded with managers, office staff, players and anybody else who got in his way during his tenure. But there is no denying the results: under his watch, the Yankees won 11 American League pennants and seven World Series titles.

The enduring images of Steinbrenner hiring and firing managers at a whim – he canned Yogi Berra twice; famously ditched Billy Martin time and time again (only to bring Martin back); helped push Joe Torre out the door – can’t cloud the success the Yankees achieved during his ownership. Not as well known, but resonating just as loudly Tuesday, was his giving spirit, the countless stories (many never told before) of Steinbrenner working to make New York, make Tampa, make the world a better place.

Yankees representing the American League in Tuesday night’s All-Star game wore black armbands, and a momemt of silence was held before the game in his honor. Flags flew at half-staff throughout New York City.

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The owner’s health quickly deteriorated over the past couple of years and he did not look good at the ceremony to close down the old Yankee Stadium.

Steinbrenner helped the Yankees win several World Series titles and was never afraid to make a big move.

He opened up his checkbook and did virtually whatever it took to turn the Yankees into a winner.

While hated by many around baseball for his strong personality, he was also widely respected.

The team has been forced to weather the injury bug a bit, especially when it comes to veteran catcher Jorge Posada.

Posada has missed several weeks with various injuries, the most severe of which was a broken bone in his foot.

Rookie catcher Francisco Cervelli has been outstanding in his place and has earned more playing time the rest of the season.

Ace C.C. Sabathia has been somewhat of a disappointment thus far, but Phil Hughes has been very impressive.

Before this season, Oswalt had been reluctant to waive his no-trade clause because he enjoyed playing for the Astros and wasn’t ready to give up on the franchise.

However, this year it has become abundantly clear that the team is in disarray and going nowhere anytime soon.

Oswalt has stepped up and said he would be willing to be traded if he went to a contender and the deal could help the Astros rebuild their organization.

The ace knows his time is running out to win a World Series ring, estimating he has two to three years left to get it done.

The only problem is that the New York Yankees shortstop doesn’t see how he could be of service.

Jeter said that he won’t be talking to James about coming to play basketball in New York because he knows nothing about it.

He did say that James is a nice guy and he’s gotten to meet him because he is a Yankees fan.

C.C. Sabathia said he is also a friend of James but that he doesn’t really have to sell anyone on what it’s like to win in New York.

He was hoping that the injury was just a bone bruise but was still having trouble walking days later.

The catcher maintains he will return to the lineup much sooner than the projected month he is expected to miss.

Posada got off to a scorching hot start this year despite some concern over his age and when he will start to decline.

Francisco Cervelli, who has been hitting very well himself, will start in Posada’s absence.

The speedy outfielder was hurt as he rounded second base over the weekend, pulling up with a heavy limp.

He was able to limp his way to third base safely, but then was quickly removed from the game.

The Yankees have placed him on the 15-day disabled list and don’t expect him back for a month or more.

The injury means that veteran Randy Winn will likely see a significant increase in playing time.