TAMPA — There won’t be a Johnny Damon II.
According to Damon, he isn’t returning to the Yankees as a free agent.
“We both are looking at other options now,” Damon told The Post Saturday and called it “unfortunate.”
According to GM Brian Cashman, Damon contacted the club.
“He called and I told him the truth. He is not the No. 1 option if and when I turn to DH options,” Cashman said.
The Yankees closing the door on Damon means Raul Ibanez is the prohibitive favorite for the left-handed DH spot they talked to Damon about.
A.J. Burnett takes a Pirates physical today. MLB will look at the deal and if the physical is good and MLB approves the deal, it is expected to be announced Tuesday.
With the Burnett deal bringing the Yankees’ $13 million from the Pirates, the brass will meet today to see if there is a chance to sign Ibanez and utility corner infielder Eric Chavez.
Ownership’s budget didn’t originally have both left-handed hitters in it but the Yankees often find creative financial ways for players they want.
A career .280 hitter, the 39-year-old Ibanez batted .245 last season with 20 homers and 84 RBIs in 144 games for the Phillies. He has driven in 83 runs or more in the past seven seasons.