TAMPA, Fla. (AP) – Johnny Damon called it just another spring training game.

The Yankees’ new center fielder went 1-for-4 as the designated hitter in his first game against his former team, and New York beat the Boston Red Sox 5-4 Wednesday night.

“It’s not a big deal … it’s an exhibition game,” Damon said. “There’s going to be a lot of games against them over there.”

Damon, the former Red Sox star, signed a $52 million, four-year contract with the Yankees during the offseason.

“There’s no question they’re a little different personality-wise,” New York manager Joe Torre said, referring to the Red Sox. “Johnny not over there, for one. Even though he may have not been the face of that club like (Kevin) Millar was, but they still have (Jason) Varitek and (David) Ortiz and Manny (Ramirez). But Johnny Damon was a huge part in my mind of that club. They do look different, but again their pitching has never been this deep, consistently deep like it’s been over the last few years, either.”

Damon grounded out in the first, had a third-inning single and struck out in the fourth and sixth. He received a loud cheer, mixed in with some boos from visiting Boston fans, before his first at-bat.

“It was good to hear our fans stepped it for me,” Damon said.

Damon had been expected to play the outfield Thursday for the first time since developing left shoulder tendinitis during the World Baseball Classic, but Torre decided to push it back to Saturday.

“Rather have him throw one more day,” Torre said. “There’s nothing we’re hesitant about other than it’s spring training.”

New York catcher Jorge Posada didn’t play because of a broken nose, the result of being hit in the face by a ball while playing catch. He was going to be held overnight at a hospital and was expected to be released Thursday. Torre said Posada will not play in a game for at least five days.

Ramirez, Boston’s designated hitter, was 0-for-2 with a walk. Red Sox manager Terry Francona said Ramirez, who wore No. 95 because his uniform was left at home, made the trip so he could get some at-bats under the lights.

Wily Mo Pena had a two-run homer against Shawn Chacon during a three-run fourth for Boston. Chacon, who appears headed toward winning a spot in the rotation, allowed three runs, five hits and three walks. He struck out six.

Chacon has given up four runs in 16 2-3 innings over five starts. Yankees closer Mariano Rivera worked a 1-2-3 sixth.

Bernie Williams hit a solo homer in the second off Boston starter Jonathan Papelbon, who gave up two runs and five hits in five innings.

Luis Garcia’s two-run shot in the seventh put the Yankees ahead 5-3.

Boston’s Adam Stern had two RBIs, including a ninth-inning solo homer.

There were three batters hit by pitches. Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter was plunked in the back in the seventh by David Riske. Jeter said afterward he was fine.

Tanyon Sturtze hit Boston’s Mike Lowell in the hip the next inning, which resulted in a warning by the umpires.

Francona said he was not pleased that Lowell was hit. Sturtze said it was unintentional.

“I’ve struggled with my command all spring,” Sturtze said.

Notes: Yankees RHP Jaret Wright (back spasms) might resume throwing Thursday. The injury could cost him a spot in the rotation during the early part of the season when New York will need only four starters. The possibility of Wright being placed on the DL hasn’t been completely ruled out. … Boston RHP Curt Schilling will make his next start Friday in a minor league game. He will pitch for Triple-A Pawtucket against Ottawa, a Baltimore farm team. … New York RHP Carl Pavano (back) threw 35 pitches during a batting practice session. He could pitch in a game next Wednesday or Thursday, but is not expected to rejoin the Yankees until the end of April.

AP-ES-03-22-06 2319EST