Jeter gets day off; Teixeira also out
Mark Teixeira #25 (L) and Derek Jeter #2 of the New York Yankees celebrate after they both scored against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. (April 23, 2011) Credit: Getty Images
With the Yankees in the midst of 16 games in 16 days, rest -- especially for the veterans -- is at a premium. That's why it came as no surprise that Derek Jeter was not in Thursday night's lineup.
He playfully assured curious reporters creeping toward his locker that he was fine, adding that he was told Wednesday night that he would not play. "In the long run, it'll be beneficial,'' he said, "but I like to play."
Eduardo Nuñez, who started at shortstop for the first time this year, made two errors but scored three runs and had two hits and a walk.
Joe Girardi said he plans to give the 36-year-old Jeter, who is hitting .262, another day off during the next 10 days. The Yankees play four-game series against Toronto and Detroit before a three-game series against Texas.
"I think you just have to watch him and be smart about it and just try to give him some planned days off," Girardi said. " . . . We don't want to run our guys down. We have to be smart about it."
Chavez in for Teixeira
Mark Teixeira did not play because of right shoulder soreness that forced him to leave Wednesday night's game early. "Just making sure we take care of it and give it a day off," he said.
Though Joe Girardi said Teixeira "definitely" could play defense, he said he preferred to give him a full day off. "If we need someone, we'll figure it out without him and try to get him healthy," he said. Afterward, Teixeira said he felt a lot better after getting treatment and plans to play Friday night.
Robinson Cano hit in Teixeira's No. 3 spot and Eric Chavez started at first base for the first time in his 14-year career. Chavez, who had played first in only three previous games, showed his inexperience in the fourth inning, going after a drive that ricocheted off CC Sabathia when the better play would have been to retreat to first base and let Sabathia get the ball. It wound up an infield hit.
"I was kidding with Derek yesterday, 'Just make sure to hit me in the chest; we'll have no problems,' " Chavez said. " . . . You never know until game speed happens. Hopefully, I put enough work in it to be ready for it."
