The New York Yankees have placed pitcher Kevin Brown on the 15-day disabled list for the third time this season because of back problems. Brown, who was scratched from his scheduled start Thursday, has a lumbar strain and will visit a specialist in California to determine the next course of action. Aaron Small made the start in Brown's place Thursday, pitching seven strong innings to help the Yankees to a 6-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins. Small improved to 2-0 on the season. Brown began the year on the disabled list with a back strain and came back on April 17. He then went back on the DL in mid-June and was reinstated on July 18, but made only two starts before the latest injury put him on the shelf for the 14th time in his career. The 40-year-old righthander has been roughed up for 13 runs and 16 hits over 7 2/3 innings of his last two starts. For the season, he has a record of 4-7 with a 6.50 earned run average in 13 outings. The Yankees have not yet filled the vacant roster spot, but will need another pitcher to start Saturday's game against the Angels.