Adding depth to their injury-riddled pitching staff, the New York Yankees re-signed troubled right-hander Sidney Ponson to a minor league contract yesterday.

With a history of off-the-field problems, Ponson was released Monday by the Texas Rangers for being a disruption to the team. He performed well on the mound, however, going 4-1 with a 3.88 ERA.

Texas designated Ponson for assignment June 6, cutting him loose "for disrespecting teammates and club personnel," general manager Jon Daniels said.

In other news, Hideki Matsui was out of the Yankees' starting lineup last night against San Diego because of a swollen left knee.

Matsui was to be examined by a doctor and have fluid drained from the knee, general manager Brian Cashman said before the game. The designated hitter and part-time left fielder had surgery on his other knee last offseason.

"Last year was much more painful," Matsui said through a translator.

ELSEWHERE

Brewers: Slugger Prince Fielder owes more than $400,000 in unpaid taxes, according to a published report. An IRS spokesman told The Associated Press that Fielder could have made payments or even paid it off, but that it might not be recorded yet.

Rockies: Colorado agreed to terms yesterday with left-handed pitcher Christian Friedrich, the team's first-round draft pick. Terms were not released. The Rockies took Friedrich with the 25th overall pick earlier this month.

Pirates: Catcher Ryan Doumit was out of the lineup last night against the Chicago White Sox with a slight concussion. Doumit was hit in the mask by foul balls three times Tuesday and is expected to miss at least two days.

Braves: Relief pitcher Mike Gonzalez was removed from the disabled list yesterday, 13 months after ligament replacement surgery on his left elbow. He earned the save in last night's 5-2 win over Texas.