Neck issue has slumping Cano out of lineup
ROBINSON CANO was not in the lineup for the Yankees’ 3-2 raindelayed victory over the Rangers at the Stadium Wednesday night. The team said he had a stiff neck. It was the first time this season the second baseman did not play in a game.
“We tried to see if we could get him ready to play. Hopefully he’ll be ready to play (today), but if not we’ll give it one more day and he’s day-by-day,” said Joe Girardi, who added he was not concerned this would be a lingering problem.
“Guys sleep wrong sometimes and they come in,” Girardi said. “We got a win with- out him, and it probably doesn’t hurt him to have an off day, either. It might play an important role as the season goes on. He got a whole day off today and it was nice.”
Cano was not around after the game, but addressed the media before it. His comments, however, were limited to Melky Cabrera’s suspension.
Cano, who is hitting .311, has one hit in his last 15 at-bats. He had played in all 116 games leading into Wednesday night’s game.
STEPPING UP
Eric Chavez has been on fire filling in for Alex Rodriguez at third. Wednesday night, he had three singles and a walk. He is hitting 19-for-37 (.514) with two doubles, five homers and 11 RBI over his last 11 games.
“I never really looked at it like that, never felt like I’ve had to replace Alex, I am just doing my job, really,” Chavez said. “To be honest with you, ever since I’ve come to New York, I just do what (Girardi) asks me to do and give them the best effort when I am out there.”
Chavez said he had been tinkering with his swing over the past two weeks.
ON THE MEND
A-Rod will have another X-ray on his left hand Sunday and from there he expects to learn when he can swing a bat again.