Martin sits again as a precaution

Russell Martin's health is improving, but not enough for him to start in Monday night's series opener against the Indians at the Stadium.

The catcher sat out for the second straight game as he recovers from stiffness in the right side of his lower back. Martin missed Sunday night's Subway Series finale after Joe Girardi removed him in the eighth inning Saturday night when Martin's stiffness in pregame warm-ups never subsided.

Martin received treatment before Sunday's game, and although the catcher expected to return to the lineup Monday night, Girardi wanted to give him at least one more day.

"He's definitely better today," Girardi said. "He's moving around better. So we'll just shoot for tomorrow or the next day, I think, is pretty feasible."

Chris Stewart started behind the plate for the second straight night.

Shirt tales

Some Yankees fans have expressed unhappiness about Rafael Soriano ripping his tucked-in jersey out of his pants when he records the final out for a save, particularly after seeing Mariano Rivera's graceful approach all these years. But Girardi doesn't believe Soriano is trying to embarrass opponents.

"No, I don't," he said. "It's been something he's done. I don't think he's doing anything to show anyone up, and that's always my concern or if he's doing something saying, 'Look at me, look what I've done.' I don't see him pounding his chest or big arm movements. He just pulls his jersey out. Maybe it's more comfortable.

"When he does it, I don't even see him pull it out." Happy birthday, Captain

Derek Jeter turns 38 Tuesday. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the only players to collect more hits before their 38th birthday than Jeter has are Ty Cobb (3,666) and Hank Aaron (3,272). Jeter went 1-for-4 last night and has 3,181 career hits.