YANKEE NOTES

SEATTLE – Mark Bellhorn didn’t waste any time sliding into his new uniform. Less than 24 hours after joining the Yankees, the switch-hitting infielder started at third base last night against the Mariners as Joe Torre used Alex Rodriguez at DH.

“The interest here was more,” Bellhorn said when asked why he picked the Yankees over the A’s and Padres. “I wanted to come to a team where I was wanted.”

Bellhorn, 31, released by the Red Sox on Aug. 27, was free to cut a deal anywhere.

That he chose the Yankees adds intrigue to the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry, which resumes a week from Friday in The Bronx.

“[Getting cut by the Red Sox] didn’t affect my choice, said Bellhorn, who hit .216 for Boston as he battled a thumb problem. “It was unfortunate what happened, but I turn the page; there are no hard feelings. Whatever it takes to beat them, it would be nice.”

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To make room for Bellhorn on the 25-man roster the Yankees sent infielder Felix Escalona to Columbus (Triple-A). They shifted pitcher Carl Pavano from the 15-day DL to the 60-day DL.

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Gary Sheffield was hoping both games of his two-game suspension would be dropped. However, the Yankees’ right fielder settled for a one-game ban, which he served last night.

The $2,000 fine, levied on June 30 by MLB’s top cop Bob Watson with the suspension for Sheffield’s actions against the Mets, remained.

Watson suspended Sheffield for two games for his actions on June 26, when Sheffield slammed his helmet after being called out on a close play at first by umpire C.B. Bucknor.

Watson said Sheffield bumped Bucknor but Sheffield insisted he never made contact with the umpire.

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Torre doesn’t believe that facing 19-year-old stud Felix Hernandez tonight will give Randy Johnson extra motivation.

“Randy is more into challenging himself,” Torre said of the 41-year-old hurler, who will be facing a pitcher less than half his age. “He doesn’t need something to challenge him.”

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According to GM Brian Cashman, Chien-Ming Wang came through his three-inning rehab stint in Columbus Monday night and will pitch another minor league game Saturday.

“After that, we will see,” Cashman said.”

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Ruben Sierra will rejoin the Yankees tomorrow and be activated from the DL.

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The plan for Ruben Rivera is to play one game for Tampa (Single-A) and then head to Trenton (Double-A).