ANAHEIM -- Randy Johnson will take the mound on Tuesday night in Yankee Stadium, and he would appreciate it if you didn't ask him about it anymore.

Johnson lashed out at reporters on Sunday in the visiting clubhouse at Angel Stadium when he was approached about the status of his balky back, which forced an early exit from his last start on Thursday against the Angels.

The Big Unit left Thursday's game after six innings and 89 pitches, as he tweaked his back when he caught his spike on the mound in the sixth. He said that his removal was precautionary, saying Sunday that the Yankees are more cautious than he is when it comes to his health.

"I haven't been 100 percent since high school, yet I'm still out there among the league leaders in innings pitched and games started," said Johnson, clearly irritated that he was being asked about his health. "I'll be out there. It doesn't mean I'm completely healthy, but I'll be out there."

Johnson is one of the few Yankees pitchers not to spend time on the disabled list this season, missing just one start with a minor groin injury.

Carl Pavano, Jaret Wright and Chien-Ming Wang are all currently on the DL, while Kevin Brown, who just returned from the DL, left Saturday night's game after 3 1/3 innings and flew to Denver on Sunday to meet with his back doctor.

When reporters approached Johnson on Sunday morning to inquire about his status for Tuesday, the left-hander barked at them that they should concern themselves with other matters on the team.

"I'm here. Talk to the guys that aren't here," Johnson said. "Worry about the other pitchers that can help the team."

Manager Joe Torre said he understood why Johnson doesn't want to talk about his health.

"He's probably a little irritated by it because everyone keeps reminding him how old he is. That's no fun for him," Torre said. "I think he's fine. Randy is Randy."

Slump? What slump? Derek Jeter went 4-for-4 on Saturday night, equaling his hit total from his previous 35 at-bats entering the game. He reached base five times, walking in the first, and all four hits -- a home run and three singles -- were to the opposite field.

"You want to be comfortable, stay back and see the ball well," Jeter said. "All four hits were the other way, which is when I'm at my best. I just want to carry it over."

For Torre, Jeter's walk to lead off the game was a sign of things to come, as he worked his way from an 0-2 count to draw the base on balls.

"It was an indication that he's watching the ball," Torre said. "It was important, and it made me think he was going to have good at-bats."

Jeter is hitting .299 with 12 homers and 39 RBIs this season, and even through his recent dry spell, he feels he's been helping the team in other ways.

"There are other ways to help the team win besides hitting; play defense, get on base other ways," Jeter said. "People pay so much attention to numbers, but with the exception of the three games here, we've been winning."

Ruben rehab: Ruben Sierra, who took dry swings on Saturday and Sunday for the first time since injuring his left hamstring on Monday, will take batting practice when the Yankees return to the Bronx on Tuesday.

Assuming he has no setbacks, Sierra will likely begin a Minor League rehab assignment at Class A Tampa next Saturday. He is eligible to return from the DL on Aug. 3.

"That's what we're aiming for right now," Torre said of the rehab assignment.

Pavano plan: Pavano's rehab game will take place on Tuesday, but it will be an abbreviated, 50-pitch outing, setting him up to start for the Yankees next Saturday.

Pavano, who spoke with pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre on Sunday, threw a bullpen in Tampa on Sunday, and he will throw another on Thursday if all goes well in his start.

"He was very upbeat," said Torre, who got word of the conversation through Stottlemyre. "He felt good."

Bernie's future: Bernie Williams will be a free agent at the end of the 2005 season, but whether he will be putting the pinstripes on in 2006 and beyond remains an uncertainty.

Williams' days as an everyday center fielder appear to be over, so a return to the Yankees next season would likely be in the capacity of a role player. Scott Boras, who represents Williams, said that the 36-year-old wants to continue playing after this season, and the Yankees would be his first choice.

"Anybody who has a tradition like Bernie's had, he'll want to sit down with the Yankees and see what the future portrays," Boras said. "Any considerations Bernie has, it would first be to cross the bridge with the Yankees, then see what else is there for him if that didn't work out."

On deck: The Yankees open a six-game homestand on Tuesday, hosting the Twins in the first of three games. New York sends Johnson to the mound, while Minnesota gives the nod to Brad Radke.