NEW YORK — After winning 247 games in the major leagues, Mike Mussina lost his spot in the New York Yankees' rotation Tuesday.
Following three terrible starts in a row, the 38-year-old right-hander was told by manager Joe Torre that he'll be passed over for his next scheduled start Saturday against Tampa Bay.
"He was disappointed, naturally. This was very difficult for me," Torre said. "We have relied on him every year since he's been here."
The Yankees will call up touted prospect Ian Kennedy, a first-round draft pick last year, from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to pitch against the last-place Devil Rays in the middle of a pennant race.
How long Kennedy stays in the rotation will depend on how well he pitches.
"It's basically what we're getting from that spot. That's what you look at first," Torre said.
Mussina refused comment as he walked out of the clubhouse following New York's 5-3 victory over Boston on Tuesday night.
Torre didn't say whether he would consider using Mussina out of the bullpen. The manager said he spoke to Mussina and said: "'Keep doing what you're doing. Keep doing your work. Keep doing your throwing so you don't lose that, the arm strength part of it."'
Not long ago, Mussina was the team's top starter, but he has faded fast. After going 15-7 with a 3.51 ERA last season, he is 8-10 with a 5.53 ERA this year. He has a 17.69 ERA in his past three starts, struggling with velocity and control.