TORONTO -- David Wells was pushed back in Toronto's rotation because he has gout in his right big toe and was rescheduled to pitch against the New York Yankees on Thursday.

Steve Trachsel, 7-13 with a 4.74 ERA this season, took Wells' place for Tuesday's series opener, pitching against Andy Pettitte (18-7).

"It started bothering David on Monday morning," Toronto manager Jim Fregosi said. "He got on his medication right away, but it's still bothering him a great deal today."

Gout is the result of a build up of uric acid in the blood. It's hereditary, but it also can be caused by eating rich foods and drinking alcohol.

Wells refused to talk about it to reporters.

Wells, 19-6 with a 4.15 ERA, pitched against Pettitte last Thursday at Yankee Stadium. Neither got a decision as Toronto won 3-2 in 11 innings.

The 37 year-old left-hander, still vying for his 20th win after three tries, will make three more starts this season if he's able to pitch Thursday. If he's pushed back further, he'll have two starts to accomplish the feat for the first time in his career.

The injury comes at a bad time for the Blue Jays, who entered the day 3½ games behind Cleveland in the AL wild card race.

This past weekend, the Blue Jays lost starters Chris Carpenter and Joey Hamilton to injuries. Carpenter is likely done for the season after being struck in the face by a ball, and Hamilton is questionable for his next start with a sore right shoulder.

"There's nothing you can do about it," Fregosi said. "It's unfortunate because Carpenter was just starting to throw the ball like he can."