All pitching hands on deck for Game 6

ARLINGTON, Texas - Other than projected ALCS Game 7 starter Andy Pettitte, it was all hands on deck for Joe Girardi on Friday night.

That included CC Sabathia, not quite rested but more than ready to make his first career relief appearance if the situation arose in Game 6.

"Could be one batter, could be to bridge the gap, it could a lot of different things," Girardi said before the game. "Anything."

Shortly after throwing 112 pitches in Game 5, Sabathia approached Girardi.

"He said that he was available after his start," Girardi said.

Sabathia did not throw his usual bullpen session two days after his start because, as he said Thursday, "I'll be in the bullpen."

Girardi said he's not surprised that at this time of year, generally speaking, starters will embrace a possible relief appearance.

"I think what it tells you is how much they care," he said. "I think that's the wonderful thing about it."

Thames in again

Girardi said he didn't give any consideration to making Jorge Posada the designated hitter instead of Marcus Thames on Friday night against Rangers righthander Colby Lewis.

Part of it was having Posada continue to catch Phil Hughes. "Jorge has caught almost every one of Phil's starts," Girardi said.

There also was the fact that of Thames' 12 homers this year, seven came off righthanders. He entered Game 6 at 2-for-13 in the series.

"In a situation like this, you're going to go with the guy that's had the most experience and possibly can do the most damage," Girardi said.

A move up

Lance Berkman, starting at first base, hit fifth and Nick Swisher sixth.

"Berky had some really, really good at-bats off this guy," Girardi said. "He's had good at-bats for us in the postseason." Berkman was 1-for-3 with an RBI against Lewis in Game 2.

No hint

Girardi said he hasn't broached the retirement topic with Pettitte and doesn't plan to.

"As Andy has done the past couple of years, it's a decision that he goes home and makes with his family," Girardi said. "As long as we are still playing, that decision probably has not crossed his mind."