Struggling Rivera working out kinks with Eiland

TORONTO - Mariano Rivera said he's dealt with slumps before.

"Pitchers go through it, hitters go through it," Rivera said. "I'm no exception."

Still, Rivera was in the bullpen before last night's game working on a mechanical issue with pitching coach Dave Eiland, one Yankees manager Joe Girardi said had the closer "out of whack" in recent weeks.

"Just making sure I'm getting in front of the ball," Rivera said.

Girardi said Rivera's grip was "on the side" of the ball, instead of on top, causing the pitcher to lack the command and late life typical of his cutter.

Rivera's troubles date to Sept. 10 when he pitched two innings against the Rangers. He allowed just one hit that night but blew a save the next night, the start of a stretch of three blown saves in six chances and six runs allowed in 52/3 innings.

As for Sunday's ninth, when the Red Sox stole four bases off Rivera and catcher Jorge Posada, Posada said Rivera could have been "quicker" to the plate.

"It's just a matter of paying attention," said Posada, who has thrown out 13 of 80 runners attempting to steal this season for a 16.3 percentage. For his career he has averaged 28 percent.

"They were running, we didn't get them out, they kept running," Rivera said. "Don't let them get on base, that's the best thing you can do."

CC goes tonight

Girardi confirmed after last night's game that CC Sabathia (20-7, 3.26 ERA) will start Tuesday night in Toronto.

Girardi was hoping to skip Sabathia's start, but only if the Yankees clinched a playoff spot.

"We're on rotation and I hope we have to make that decision," Girardi said before the game. "I told him we were on rotation until we clinched."

If the Yankees had secured a playoff spot last night, Sabathia would have been bumped to Friday, lining him up to start Game 1 of the Division Series next Wednesday on regular rest. But last night's 7-5 loss to the Blue Jays, combined with the Red Sox's 6-1 win over the White Sox, forced a change in plans.

Jorge doesn't catch A.J.

Posada, though he doesn't catch A.J. Burnett often, said he was "disappointed" not to start behind the plate last night.

"Before last night, I was probably going to start him tonight," Girardi said. "With the long game, getting in [to Toronto] at 3:30, I just thought it was in the best interest not to."

Girardi said Burnett likely will start one more regular-season game and there's a good chance Posada will catch it.