The beleaguered Yankees pitching staff took another hit yesterday as Carl Pavano was declared out at least six more weeks with rotator cuff tendinitis.

Pavano, one of two high-profile free agent pitchers signed by the Yankees last winter, has been on the disabled list since July 7 and has not started a game since June 27. If the right-hander returns in six weeks, there would be about 10 days left in the regular season.

Dr. James Andrew and team physician Stuart Hershon agreed yesterday that Pavano has rotator cuff tendinitis and associated pain in his humerus that requires at least six weeks of rest and rehabilitation.

There was, however, a bit of good news yesterday regarding Jaret Wright, the other top free-agent signing, who has been on the disabled list since April 24 with a right shoulder strain. Wright has been making progress working at the Yankees’ Tampa complex, and manager Joe Torre said the right-hander could return as early as Monday when the Yankees play the Devil Rays in Tampa.

“He’s been sharp,” Torre said. “We’ve got to wait and see. Based on his last few starts, it’s tough not to want him here.”

The Yankees have used a major league high 26 pitchers this season. Wright, Pavano, and Kevin Brown (back), all part of the starting rotation when the season started, have spent long stretches on the disabled list. They were joined there by Chien-Ming Wang, one of the minor league callups, on July 13.The loss of Wang was particularly frustrating for the Yankees, as the rookie had compiled a solid record of 6-3 with a 3.89 ERA in 12 starts before heading for the DL with right shoulder inflammation.

The lack of quality pitching has forced Torre to make some tough ingame decisions, and Yankee owner George Steinbrenner criticized his moves after Tuesday’s loss to the White Sox.

“George Steinbrenner owns this club, has a big investment in it, and he cares passionately about it,” General Manager Brian Cashman said after yesterday’s loss to Chicago. “That is sometimes reflected in his comments. But Joe Torre gets paid to make these decisions. Some work out and some don’t.”

Meanwhile, Torre continues to piece together a rotation. With Randy Johnson shut down for at least one start be cause of back problems, the Yankees expect to start Scott Proctor in today’s game against Texas.

“If we get through today without using Proctor, that’s who will pitch,” the manager said. “We’re looking at Randy for his regular turn on Tuesday.”

Proctor started 61 times in the minor leagues but has not started a big-league game since 2002. He has appeared in 15 games for the Yankees this season, compiling a 5.16 ERA in 22 2/3 innings of work.