The Yankees released Phil the following spring, just before the start of the season.
But when the season approached and he wasn't ready, the Yankees released him.
As such, the Yankees could release him and be responsible for only 30 days' pay.
The Yankees almost released him last year, and they have tried unsuccessfully to trade him.
He retired after the Yankees released him a second time, on July 1 of that year.
When he denied the request, their second in a month, the Yankees released him under a $175,000 buyout clause.
The Yankees released their 2004 schedule yesterday for a regular season that is somewhat irregular.
Unless the Yankees release him and admit a $15 million mistake, they are stuck with uncertainty every five days.
He played there until the Yankees released him on August 6, 2004.
If the Yankees release him, they would have to pay him his $700,000 salary.