Girardi still feeling good about Sabathia

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- It's been two straight rough starts for CC Sabathia, but Joe Girardi figures that will be it.

"I think he's going to get right back on track," the Yankees manager said before Wednesday night's game.

Sabathia (16-7, 2.93 ERA) starts Thursday against the Twins in Minneapolis. His last two starts, combined with Justin Verlander's continued dominance, has likely cost the lefthander a chance at his second AL Cy Young Award.

Sabathia has said lack of fastball command is the common link between the starts.

"Are you surprised when it happened? Yes, because he was on a roll," Girardi said.

Freddy not ready

The mysterious cut on the tip of Freddy Garcia's right index finger still hasn't allowed him to throw his splitter in the bullpen. Girardi said the pitcher was likely to try it Thursday and, if the session goes well, "we'll make a day where we'll slot him in." Phil Hughes is scheduled to start Friday and Girardi said he hopes Garcia can go Saturday.

Cutting down

When Alex Rodriguez is activated, Girardi said the Yankees will get down to 12 pitchers from 13. But because of Garcia's injury and a doubleheader a week from Saturday in Baltimore, Girardi said the six-man rotation is likely to stay intact until then.

Proctor confirms talk

Scott Proctor, who signed a minor-league contract with the Yankees last week, said he has "no regrets" about how often Joe Torre used him in 2006. Brian Cashman revealed earlier this season that he urged Proctor to speak up to Torre, saying he told the righthander, "You're hurting your career," by pitching all the time. Proctor confirmed that meeting took place, but never followed Cashman's advice. "I'm not paid to make that call," Proctor said Wednesday before Triple-A Scranton's game.

With Jim Baumbach