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BRADENTON, Fla. -- Mike Mussina was formally named Saturday as the Yankees' Opening Day starter.

Manager Joe Torre said Mussina will pitch the first of two games in Tokyo on March 30 against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

"He's earned that right," Torre said before the Yankees played a spring training game against Pittsburgh.

Kevin Brown will start the second game of the regular season on March 31.

Javier Vazquez will remain in Florida during the trip to Japan and get some work in minor league games. He might pitch during a series at Tampa Bay April 6-7. If the Yankees choose to use Mussina and Brown again in that series, Vazquez could start the home opener April 8 against the Chicago White Sox.

"We'll take everybody's temperature at that point in time and see where we are to see if Vazquez gets slotted in there or wait until we get home," Torre said.

Mussina is the lone veteran holdover from last year's rotation. Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte and David Wells all departed during the offseason.

Torre had said early in spring training that Mussina would probably get the opening day assignment, barring any setbacks.

Donovan Osborne and Jose Contreras are expected to pitch in exhibition games in Japan. Osborne has taken the spot of Jon Lieber, who will start the season on the disabled list with an injured right groin.

"His stuff seems good," Torre said of Osborne. "And the best part of it all is the experience and the know-how."

Osborne will probably start Wednesday night against Boston. Mussina will also pitch Wednesday in a minor league game.

Notes
CF Bernie Williams (appendix) took batting practice and worked out in the outfield at Legends Field in Tampa. "Bernie looked good today," Torre said. "Physically, he's fine. It's just a matter of getting in shape." Williams could start playing in minor league games Tuesday or Wednesday. He might return for the April 6-7 series with the Devil Rays. ... Non-roster C Joe Girardi will probably make his final appearance with the team during the Yankees' trip to Japan. "He's not going to be in uniform in all likelihood (this season), but he has added a lot this spring to our club," Torre said. Girardi will eventually join YES Network as a Yankees broadcaster.

Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press