NEW YORK -- Steve Karsay was released Thursday by the New York Yankees, and fellow reliever Felix Rodriguez had surgery on his injured left knee.
In addition, designated hitter Ruben Sierra planned to take batting practice on a field Friday as he rehabilitates a partially torn right biceps, and could return to the active roster next week.
Karsay, who never regained form after major shoulder trouble, was 0-0 with a 6.00 ERA in six games, allowing 10 hits and two walks in six innings. The Yankees designated him for assignment last week, giving them 10 days to make a move with the 33-year-old righty.
The move was a costly one for the Yankees. Karsay has a $5 million salary this year, and his contract contains a $6.5 million option for 2006 with a $1.25 million buyout.
Coming off a successful 2001 season split with Cleveland and Atlanta, Karsay became a free agent and signed a $22.5 million, four-year deal to become the Yankees' setup man.
Karsay filled the role in 2002, pitching in 78 games, but missed the entire 2003 season while recovering from surgery on his right shoulder. He worked in only seven games last year.
Karsay is 31-38 with 41 saves and a 3.89 ERA in 10 seasons with Oakland, Cleveland, Atlanta and the Yankees.
Rodriguez met Thursday in Vail, Colo., with Dr. Richard Steadman, who agreed with the recommendation of Yankees physician Dr. Stuart Hershon that arthroscopic surgery was needed.
New York said Rodriguez injured his knee earlier this week while getting out of a shower. The Yankees said he will report to their training camp in Tampa, Fla., to start rehabilitation next week.
Sierra has hit the past couple days in a batting cage at New York's spring training complex. He hopes to begin a minor league rehabilitation assignment by Monday and rejoin the Yankees later next week.
"I'm feeling better," Sierra said Thursday.
Sierra was hurt while swinging at a changeup during an April 20 game against Toronto and was placed on the 15-day disabled list two days later.
Sierra is hitting .269 with two homers and eight RBI. He batted .244 with 17 home runs and 65 RBI in 307 at-bats last season.
RZW 
