“I think it’s my best outing in a major league uniform,” Contreras said.

The Yankees signed Contreras to a $32 million, four-year contract after he defected from Cuba in October 2002, but he struggled badly against the rival Red Sox and was inconsistent throughout his season and a half in New York.

He was dealt to Chicago for Esteban Loaiza at the trade deadline last year.

“You always know that the Yankees’ future is right this minute, and that was just an example of that,” Torre said.

The Yankees got another excellent outing from Chacon (0-1), the hard-luck loser. He gave up only Iguchi’s fourth-inning homer and two singles in seven innings, lowering his ERA to 1.42 in three starts with New York since he was acquired from Colorado.

“That’s a tough loss,” Chacon said.

Chacon retired nine straight batters before Iguchi lofted a 1-1 pitch over the short porch in right field.

Contreras got in trouble in the bottom half, but struck out Jason Giambi with Rodriguez on third for the second out. Jorge Posada then hit a sharp grounder that appeared headed up the middle for an RBI single, but it deflected off Contreras to Konerko at first base, and he tagged Posada to end the inning.

Contreras also retired Hideki Matsui with two on to end the first and a runner at second to end the sixth.

“His arm angle was a little different. I think he threw a little more sidearm than when he was with us,” Derek Jeter said. “I think it caused his fastball to move more.”

Notes: Both benches were warned after Contreras plunked Rodriguez with first base open in the first inning. ... LHP Randy Johnson will miss his next turn in the rotation because of a bad back, leaving the Yankees unsure who will start Thursday night against Texas. It probably will be RHP Scott Proctor if he’s not needed Wednesday against Chicago.

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