NEW YORK (AP) – David Wells might be bypassed in the New York Yankees’ pitching rotation for the first round of the playoffs.

Mike Mussina, Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens will start the first three games of the series against the Minnesota Twins, manager Joe Torre said Friday.

“We’ll go through the first three games and then figure out what we’re going to do,” Torre said. “Wells, in all likelihood, will pitch the fourth game.”

Wells, who declined comment, has 14 victories – the fewest of New York’s top four starters – and his ERA of 4.25 is the highest among the foursome.

Torre’s announcement was mildly surprising because Wells – with a career playoff record of 8-2 – was widely expected to be the Game 4 choice. He was shelled a year ago in his only playoff outing against Anaheim, allowing 10 hits and eight runs, and drew the criticism of pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre after a poor outing last month because of his work habits.

The playoff schedule gives the Yankees and Twins a day off after Game 1 and another after Game 2, which allows Torre the luxury of turning to Mussina on four days’ rest for Game 4. Mussina has a career record of 20-2 against Minnesota.

Torre said the recent strong pitching by rookie Jose Contreras had nothing to do with his decision.

Contreras will work out of the bullpen against the Twins, most likely sharing the job of right-handed set-up man with Jeff Nelson.

Mussina said he would be comfortable pitching Game 4 or Game 5, adding he was honored to Torre’s choice for the series opener.

“Every one of our starters could pitch the first game, every one deserves to pitch the first game,” Mussina said. “What I’ve done against them in the regular season is just that – the regular season. The playoffs are a different game.”

Torre said he remained uncertain whether he would carry 10 or 11 pitchers on the postseason roster. He said the decision hinged in part on outfielder David Dellucci’s recovery from a sprained ankle.

Dellucci tested the ankle in pregame drills Friday and said it held up well. It’s possible the Yankees will activate Dellucci, who hasn’t played since Aug. 27, on Saturday or Sunday.

“I ran pretty hard and didn’t have any pain, so I feel I’m ready,” Dellucci said.

AP-ES-09-26-03 1730EDT