MINNEAPOLIS -- The New York Yankees sent pitcher Jose Contreras to Triple-A Columbus and recalled left-hander Randy Choate on Saturday.

Contreras, who signed a $32 million, four-year contract this winter after a stellar career in Cuba, was 1-0 with a 10.80 ERA in five appearances for the Yankees.

"I had a feeling it was coming,'' Contreras said through an interpreter. "Of course I'd like to be here with this team, but unfortunately I don't have the opportunity right now to pitch consistently."

New York manager Joe Torre talked all week about making the move that will give the 32-year-old right-hander more chances to pitch.

The Yankees' starting rotation of Mike Mussina, Roger Clemens, David Wells, Andy Pettitte and Jeff Weaver is thriving, and there weren't enough innings available to Contreras to keep him sharp.

Contreras faced two Minnesota batters in the eighth on Friday, allowing a double and a walk.

"There was no reason to wait any longer," Torre said. "We thought he'd get more work out of the bullpen, but nobody could have predicted how well all of our starters would pitch at the same time.

"He's disappointed, but he knows he has to work on it. I let him know he needs to pitch, and the only way he's going to find himself is to pitch regularly.

"I don't think he will be down there long. Just a few starts could get him going."

Choate was 0-2 with a 2.35 ERA for Columbus. He split the 2002 season between the Clippers and the Yankees.