NEW YORK — Johnny Damon went on the disabled list for the first time in his major league career today after 13½ seasons and 1,927 regular-season games.

The New York Yankees outfielder sprained and bruised his left shoulder when he crashed into the left-field fence trying for a leaping catch against Boston on Friday.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said it was "50-50" whether Damon would be able to return after two weeks but that the injury will not require surgery. With Hideki Matsui (sore left knee) also on the DL, rookie Brett Gardner will become the Yankees' regular left fielder.

To fill Damon's roster spot, New York recalled outfielder Justin Christian from Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes Barre.