Moose headed for DL

Infielders Alex Rodriguez and Jason Giambi are also ailing.
SEATTLE (AP) -- Good thing the New York Yankees already swept through Boston.
Three of the Yankees' biggest stars were ailing before Wednesday's game against the Seattle Mariners, with New York leading the AL East by 61/2 games over the Red Sox entering play.
Right-hander Mike Mussina went on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right groin one day after the Yankees said they expected him to miss only one start. They also sent third baseman Alex Rodriguez back to the team hotel with a throat infection. His status for today's series finale was unknown.
And Jason Giambi had his sore left hamstring wrapped before starting at designated hitter instead of at first base. Manager Joe Torre said Giambi likely will be the DH for the next few days.
The Yankees swept a five-game series in Boston before traveling to Seattle but Torre said the division lead didn't influence how they handled each situation.
"See how quickly we got that lead?" he said. "That's how quickly we could lose it."
Meeting of the minds
Torre met with Mussina (13-5) on Wednesday morning and agreed the disabled list was the best choice. The Yankees had previously targeted a Sept. 2 game against Minnesota for the 37-year-old Mussina's return from his second groin problem this summer.
Mussina left New York's 8-5 win over Boston on Sunday night after four innings because of tightness in his groin.
The move is retroactive to Monday. Mussina, who has already matched his victory total from last season despite being winless in four starts since July 30, will be eligible to return on Sept. 5.
Mussina said he probably could pitch in a week if he was absolutely needed. He thought the Yankees' place in the AL East did factor in the decision.
"I think we would re-evaluate things if the standings were different," he said. "We're up 61/2 games. I'm sure that had some bearing."
Torre said Jeff Karstens, who made his major league debut on Tuesday, would take Mussina's turn in the rotation Sunday at the Los Angeles Angels.
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