The New York Yankees were forced to place designated hitter Lance Berkman on the disabled list this week. The long time first base men for the Houston Astros sprained his right ankle.

Berkman, who has made the All Star game five times, is batting just .179 since joining the Yankees. The switch hitter has made eight starts as designated hitter, and three more as the first base men.

Berkman is a career .296 hitter, with 326 homeruns and 1094 runs batted in. This season has been one of his worst, batting a combined .237, with 13 homeruns and 53 runs batted in between his two teams.

Berkman will be ready when he is eligible to come off the disabled list on August 31st. Tripe A infield Eduardo Nunez was called up to take his place on the active roster. The Yankees came into Thursday’s action tied with Tampa Bay at the top of the American League East division.