Jeter to miss a month or more

TORONTO -- Even the highest payroll in baseball couldn't prepare the New York Yankees for what they face now -- playing without leader Derek Jeter for at least a month.

Jeter was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday after dislocating his left shoulder on opening night. The Yankees expect to be without their All-Star shortstop for much longer, and it could be up to four months if he needs surgery.

"We miss him when he's out of the lineup for one game," manager Joe Torre said. "To have him out for an extended period of time, we're lucky we haven't had that happen before. This will probably be a month or more. There will be a big void."

Jeter will fly with the team to Tampa, Fla., after tonight's game and have an MRI test conducted by Dr. Allen Miller on Thursday. The Yankees, who open a three-game series with the Devil Rays on Friday, hold spring training in Tampa and have extensive facilities there.

"I'm sure there will be a second opinion after that. Then the doctors will get together and consult and determine a course of action," general manager Brian Cashman said. "It's six weeks minimum. It certainly could be later."

Erick Almonte will get most of the time there while Jeter is hurt, although Enrique Wilson started at shortstop Tuesday and went 2-for-3 with an RBI in the Yankees 10-1 win over Toronto.

Jeter hurt his shoulder in the third inning Monday night when he slid headfirst going from first to third on an infield groundout.

Piazza's suspension trimmed to four games

NEW YORK -- Mike Piazza's suspension for charging the mound in spring training was reduced to four games, and the New York Mets' All-Star catcher will start serving the penalty today.

The decision to shorten the ban by one game was made Tuesday by Bob DuPuy, baseball's chief operating officer. He heard Piazza's appeal Monday after New York's season-opening 15-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs.

"Naturally, I'm glad the suspension has been reduced," Piazza said. "I just want to put this behind me so I can concentrate on the rest of the season."

-- From wire reports