Joe Girardi has made his fair share of questionable decisions in two-plus seasons as Yankees’ manager. No one, though, is second-guessing Girardi’s decision to rest veteran players with non-serious injuries.
While the Yankees had their share of injuries last year, none became crippling to the team’s World Series’ run. Girardi refused to let nagging pains become lengthy injuries. That is why Alex Rodriguez had Sunday off to relax his cramped knees, and why Derek Jeter was the designated hitter last night against the Orioles.
“Sometimes you realize you’ve got to do it,” Girardi said. “We did it last year and we had some success with it, which I think makes it easier.”
It’s easier knowing that Jorge Posada’s stiff right calf is expected to keep him off the disabled list and that Mariano Rivera’s left side is no longer experiencing any tightness.
Posada began feeling pain after running out a groundout in his second at-bat in Monday’s 4-1 win over Baltimore. He was pulled after the fifth inning and taken for an MRI, which revealed a low-level calf strain.
“It’s frustrating not being able to play,” Posada said. “When you feel fine something comes up. Hopefully I’ll be there Friday.”
Posada was available last night on an emergency basis, which is why outfielder Greg Golson was promoted from the minors as opposed to another catcher.
“He doesn’t really have a lot of pain,” Girardi said. “He walks normal. We just have to see how that reacts over the next few days to treatment.”
As for Rivera, he has been idle since notching a save on Friday. He began experiencing tightness in his left side but said he ‘felt good’ following a bullpen session.
