By MIKE PUMA

Posted: 4:38 am
July 19, 2008

Hideki Matsui is clinging to the hope his season will continue, but the situation hardly looks promising.

The injured DH/left fielder had his swollen left knee examined by team physician Stuart Hershon yesterday and was told to curtail baseball activities for the weekend.

Matsui, who has been on the disabled list for nearly a month, will be reevaluated on Monday by Dr. Scott Rodeo, who performed arthroscopic surgery on Matsui's right knee last November.

Season-ending surgery on the left knee, Matsui said, remains a possibility.

"The topic is out there," Matsui said. "We just haven't discussed the details as of yet."

Matsui acknowledged this latest shutdown is probably his last chance at healing without needing surgery. The knee has already been drained of fluid several times this season.

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Matsui isn't the only missing component of the lineup. Johnny Damon (left shoulder sprain) began hitting from a tee yesterday and plans to take batting practice today. He is eligible to be removed from the DL tomorrow, and is optimistic that could occur.

Nevertheless, Yankee GM Brian Cashman cautioned that Damon will likely need a minor league rehab appearance.

When Damon returns, he'll initially be limited to DH, until he makes further progress with his shoulder.

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Reliever Brian Bruney (lisfranc injury) is probably still a few rehab appearances away from rejoining the Yankees. The right-hander last pitched Thursday for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Manager Joe Girardi said he considers this spring training for Bruney, who missed two months resting the foot.

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Mariano Rivera's game-worn jersey from Tuesday's All-Star game was donated to the Hall of Fame. The jersey and dirt from the pitcher's mound are the two items in Cooperstown that will represent Yankee Stadium and the 79th All-Star Game.

mpuma@nypost.com