Dotel was activated and got his first Yankee action last night. He started out by striking out Melvin Mora, then allowing a single to Miguel Tejada. He walked Jay Gibbons and was relieved by Scott Proctor, who bailed him out by walking Jeff Conine and then inducing an inning ending double play off the bat of Kevin Millar.

From the official site:

"I feel like it's the first time I got to the big leagues," Dotel said before the game. "The way I feel is it's a big time to come back. It's something where you have to work hard; you've got to earn it to come back after elbow surgery."

To make room for Dotel, the Yankees optioned right-hander Jose Veras to Triple-A Columbus. ...

"I'm happy to be back," said a smiling Dotel, who admitted to being a little too pumped up during the outing. "I know it wasn't a nice day today, but I feel good to be back. Finally, I made it."

"First time," Torre said. "I expect him to be more comfortable after that. His stuff was quality."