YES Network.com

TAMPA -- Third baseman Ronnier Mustelier was forced to leave Friday's Yankees win over the Marlins in the fourth inning after running into the dugout fence while chasing a foul ball, and will likely be out a few days to rest multiple contusions on his legs.

Following his exit from the game, Mustelier was slightly limping through the clubhouse with ice on both of his legs, and said through an interpreter that he did not undergo any X-rays or other tests.

"I just had some ice to take away the inflammation," Mustelier said. "I hit my right knee, and my left hamstring (hurts as well). … It was the heat of the game and I was trying to make the play."

Girardi praised his third baseman's effort after the game, and although Mustelier said he hoped he could "wake up tomorrow and be able to play," the skipper was much more cautious.

"Musty hit (the fence) pretty hard, he had two big bruises above his knees, and my guess is he won't play until Tuesday," Girardi said. "He was just playing hard, because that's who he is, and I'm sure he hasn't played on this field very much either."

All that said, Girardi reiterated after the game that Mustelier continues to impress the coaching staff with his defensive improvements, and praised his play on Friday.

"We talked about him being a young man who can hit. He's played mostly outfield and played a little third with the Yankees, but he played mostly third in Cuba, and he's played well," Girardi said. "I thought he made a nice double play today, and did a nice job on the bunt even though he was far back. He's more athletic than I thought, and he's made an impression."

As for his chances to be in pinstripes on April 1?

"He has to be in consideration for some of these open spots," Girardi said, "but even if he doesn't break with us, if you have some injuries over the course of the season, we'll certainly have to look at him and see how he's playing."

Follow Lou DiPietro on Twitter: @LouDiPietroYES