"The Yankees entered the season with Rafael Soriano and Mariano Rivera locked into the eighth and ninth innings.

Now, after watching Joba Chamberlain throw lights out in two chances in the seventh inning in the season's first four games, manager Joe Girardi said Chamberlain has laid claim to the seventh inning, as well.

"Right now, that's what we're doing," Girardi said after last night's 4-3 win over the Twins.

Chamberlain said Girardi hadn't spoken to him about his decision.

"That's the first time I heard it," he said. "It's an honor and a privilege to have that role and to know that with the arms we've got down there they have enough confidence and faith in me to get guys out."

Chamberlain entered spring training unsure of his role after the Yankees signed Soriano in the offseason. But he impressed Girardi with his performance during the spring, and has retired all six hitters he's faced in two seventh inning appearances so far this season."