A-Rod likely out against Boston

The Yankees have a trio of productive hitters in their lineup that have done nicely during Alex Rodriguez’s absence.

Now is the time for that production to translate against Red Sox pitchers, who likely won’t face Rodriguez this series. Rodriguez has a jammed left thumb and was treated with a cortisone shot Tuesday.

“We do have some guys out, there’s no doubt about that,” Nick Swisher said. “Obviously when you’re in a situation, you want to be the guy to try and step up. Everyone in the lineup is stepping their game up a little bit.”

Swisher’s assessment is correct except for the 12 games against Boston. In those games, no regular is hitting better than .240, while Derek Jeter and Rodriguez are batting .189 and .194 respectively.