NEW YORK — Struggling pitcher Ian Kennedy was sent to the minor leagues today by the New York Yankees, who purchased Darrell Rasner's contract from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

The Yankees promised patience with their young pitchers this season, but Kennedy was optioned to Triple-A after going 0-2 with an 8.37 ERA in six games, including five starts.

"I was kind of surprised," Kennedy said. "But it's bound to happen if you don't win, especially here."

The 23-year-old right-hander lasted 4 2-3 innings in his most recent outing Thursday night against Detroit and got little help from his defense while squandering a 3-0 lead. He was expected to fill a slot at the back of New York's rotation this year and acknowledged he was disappointed about being demoted.

"I just feel like I was making progress," said Kennedy, who went 1-0 with a 1.89 ERA in three starts for the Yankees late last season. "I know that I don't have as much confidence as I had last September."

The move opened a roster spot for Rasner, who was set to start Sunday's series finale against the Seattle Mariners in place of injured Phil Hughes.

The Yankees plan to give Rasner, 4-0 with a 0.87 ERA in five outings at Triple-A, another start Friday or Saturday in Detroit. Kei Igawa could be called up from Triple-A to pitch in that series as well.

"That's the way we're leaning right now," general manager Brian Cashman said.

Igawa was 2-3 with a 3.58 ERA at Triple-A going into Sunday's scheduled start against Durham. The Yankees spent $46 million to bring him over from Japan before last season and the left-hander finished a disappointing 2-3 with a 6.25 ERA in 14 games, including 12 starts.

To make room for Rasner on the 40-man roster, the Yankees transferred reliever Brian Bruney (right foot) from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day DL.

As for Kennedy, he hopes to be back in the big leagues soon. The Yankees said that simply depends on how well he pitches in the minors.

"To me, this is just a little detour in his career," manager Joe Girardi said. "He just needs to iron out some things."