Yankees right fielder Bobby Abreu is expected to miss at least two weeks after straining his right oblique during batting practice yesterday, an injury general manager Brian Cashman and manager Joe Torre said won’t cause the team to make a new push for Bernie Williams to report.

“It’s not an option we’re looking at,” Cashman said. “Bobby is coming back. The question is when.”

The team is hopeful that Abreu will be ready for opening day on April 2.

“He had a significant oblique strain,” Cashman said. “I’ll probably say three weeks, but we’ll see. Worst case, it’s one of those lengthy ones that gives him to short a period of time to get ready. But it’s really premature to be guessing.”

Williams rejected the Yankees’ offer of a minor league contract and spring training invite, but Torre said Abreu’s injury wouldn’t make the Yankees reconsider their plans.

“This is something that we’re not looking at as long-term,” Torre said. “When you’re dealing with two weeks in spring training, you’re certainly not going to throw up any flags.”

After a telephone conversation during the first week of spring training Torre left two messages for Williams, but hasn’t heard back.

It was first thought that Abreu would undergo additional tests, but Cashman said none were planned.

“It’s just one of those things,” Torre said. “I guess the good news is it’s early. You can afford a couple weeks right now.”

The Yankees received encouraging news on pitcher Carl Pavano‘s injured left foot. An MRI exam and X-rays taken Sunday showed a bone bruise.

“I wasn’t too concerned with the progress I’ve made,” Pavano said. “I was able to do all my activity today in the weight room. It’s considerably better every day.”

“Obviously, if he doesn’t throw enough to work into that day, we’ll make adjustments,” Torre said. “Right now he is still scheduled for that day.”