Yankees' Matsui improving from neck stiffness

Despite suffering some neck stiffness, New York Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui hopes he can resume batting practice on Wednesday.

Matsui hasn't swung a bat since experiencing neck tightness while hitting on Sunday.

"It's much better now," Matsui said through a translator Tuesday.

Matsui, who is also recovering from right knee surgery in November, could make his spring training debut next week.

"The faster the better with the knee," Matsui said. "Probably another week or 10 days."

Manager Joe Girardi isn't concerned with Matsui's recovery, and expects him to be ready by opening day.

"It's still not a setback," said Girardi. "I still expect him to play next week."