TAMPA, Fla. -- It will be a long week for Zach Duke and a busy week for Shane Youman.

Duke, named the Pirates' opening day starter Thursday, allowed seven runs in the fourth inning in their 8-1 loss to the New York Yankees yesterday.

"I'm upset that I couldn't get [out of] that inning," Duke said. "I take this personally. How can you not take this personally? But I'll get a rematch Friday."

That's when Duke is scheduled to face the Yankees again in Bradenton.

"I want to show that this was more me being out of rhythm than them being able to hit me that well," he said. "I expect more from myself."

How long will Duke stay upset with himself?

"Until the next time I go out there," he said.

Youman, expected to be in Class AAA Indianapolis' rotation this season, instead could wind up in the Pirates' bullpen -- at least in the short run.

The left-hander had been working as a starter, but yesterday -- without doubt because of the uncertainty of reliever John Grabow's health -- Youman became a reliever.

He relieved Duke in the fourth inning and pitched just 1 1/3 innings. In addition, the Pirates expect him to be ready to pitch again in two days, the schedule a reliever would follow.

"It really doesn't make a difference. I just want to make the team," Youman said. "Get in where I fit in."

Grabow, who had a cortisone shot in his left elbow Friday, said yesterday his elbow felt "a lot better" and that he hopes to begin soft tossing "in the next day or so."

The left-hander hasn't pitched in a week because of irritation in his elbow.

Any danger Grabow might not be ready to pitch by opening day, April 2?

"When you miss time, there's a potential chance of starting late," general manager Dave Littlefield said.

Juan Perez, another left-handed reliever, yesterday pitched a scoreless 1 1/3 innings.

A two-out nightmare

Duke's fourth-inning nightmare began with two outs and nobody on. With two on, Duke walked Johnny Damon and Derek Jeter, forcing in a run. Jason Giambi followed with a grand slam, and the rout was on.

"It's not hard to explain," Duke said. "I fell behind hitters and started leaving pitches up in the zone."

The Pirates play the Yankees in New York, June 8-10.

"They sent a little message on how quickly they can pounce on you," manager Jim Tracy said. "From the top of their lineup to the bottom, the stress level never goes away."

Tracy indicated that because of the Pirates' visit to Yankee Stadium, Duke might not start against the Yankees Friday.

"He might start against them in June," Tracy said. "Why let them have another look at him? We'll discuss it."

Duke could end up pitching in a minor-league game at Pirate City this Friday instead.

Cuban defector signs

The Pirates have signed Cuban defector Alay Soler, who was released by the New York Mets recently.

Soler, a right-handed starter, signed a minor-league contract and could begin the season with Class AA Altoona.

"Our people liked him a little bit," Littlefield said. "It's a limited-risk [situation]."

48 and dropping

The Pirates have 48 players remaining in major-league camp, but that number should drop soon. Look for roster cuts today and tomorrow.

Minor games for Sanchez

Freddy Sanchez likely will begin hitting in minor-league games at Pirate City -- perhaps by midweek -- before he plays in the field in Pirates exhibition games.

"I can hit every inning over there and get nine at-bats a day," Sanchez said.

Sanchez has been out with a sprained right knee since March 6.

Flu grounds Hernandez

Jose Hernandez originally was to play shortstop yesterday, but he was scratched 45 minutes before game time because of flu-like symptoms. Brian Bixler replaced him.

Phillies on deck

The Pirates today play Philadelphia in Clearwater, Fla. Ian Snell is scheduled to start against the Phillies' Adam Eaton.