"Hideki Matsui was out of the lineup three times in four games, including Tuesday and Wednesday when the Yankees started right-handed pitchers. In the past, he'd almost always play against righties.

"Not being able to play is kind of a difficult situation," Matsui said through interpreter Roger Kahlon. "In order to get out of your slump, you have to play. But if you're not playing, it's hard to get out of it."

Matsui is hitting .222 and coming off a .197 May, and manager Bob Geren predicted the designated hitter will rebound with a "nice second half," to which Matsui said, "I'd like to believe so, too, but in order for the results to come, you have to play."

Matsui, who turns 37 on June 12, isn't accustomed to sitting when healthy, but he's not in denial about his numbers, saying, "Realistically, I haven't been contributing. It's disappointing, but that's the reality."

He also struggled in May 2010, hitting .184, but wound up at .274, which was noted by general manager Billy Beane, who said, "Last year in Anaheim, he finished strong. You take a step back and understand it's a long season.""