Yankees' Matsui placed on disabled list

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - New York Yankees left fielder Hideki Matsui was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of a sore left knee on Friday.

The Japanese slugger aggravated an old injury two weeks ago against the Houston Astros.

The move allowed the Yankees to make room for pitcher Sidney Ponson, who started the second game of a doubleheader against the New York Mets on Friday.

"If I needed to play right now, I could play as long as I don't so run hard," Matsui told reporters. "There's not much I can do but get some rest right now and just get ready."

Matsui is batting .323 with seven home runs in 69 games this season.

(Reporting by Jahmal Corner; Editing by Alastair Himmer)