Rafael Soriano's hand OK, but Jays hurt his feelings
New York Yankees relief pitcher Rafael Soriano, left, is checked by trainer Steve Donohue after getting hit with a ball off the bat of Cleveland Indians' Jason Kipnis in the ninth inning of a baseball game. Soriano finished the inning and got the save in the Yankees' 4-2 win. (Aug. 26, 2012) Credit: AP
Rafael Soriano couldn't avoid the ball, but he did dodge a major bullet.
With one out in the ninth inning Sunday, Soriano was hit by Jason Kipnis' line drive in the base of his throwing hand, which protected him from being hit in the face. "He said he's fine," Joe Girardi said Monday. "I actually shook his hand and there were no issues. He's fine."
Not that he felt all that good Monday night. Soriano came within a strike of recording his 34th save in 36 opportunities, but couldn't get it done. Ahead 6-4 with two outs and a man on first in the ninth, he had an 0-and-2 count on Rajai Davis, but Davis singled -- and two pitches later, Colby Rasmus hit a three-run homer to give the Blue Jays a 7-6 lead. Derek Jeter's homer in the bottom of the ninth tied it before Toronto won it in the 11th.
Said Girardi, "He just made a mistake with an 0-2 slider on the second hit, then he left a slider up for the home run. He's been so good for us.''
Yankees acquire Pearce
The Yankees, looking for an extra righthanded hitter with a slew of upcoming games against AL East teams featuring lefthanders, acquired Steve Pearce from Houston for cash considerations.
Pearce, 29, was with the Yankees' Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre affiliate from March 29-June 2, hitting .318 with 11 homers and 30 RBIs. He was traded to the Orioles on June 2, designated for assignment July 21 and claimed off waivers by the Astros on July 28. The utilityman has hit .277 with a .347 OBP against lefties in his career.
Robertson's new addition
David Robertson reported a little late Monday night, with permission. Earlier in the day, his wife, Erin, gave birth to their first child, Luke Joseph.
Robertson would have gone on paternity leave if the baby had been born during the road trip that ended Sunday. Joked Girardi, "Really good timing on Erin's part, I've got to tell you."
Healing nicely
Andy Pettitte (fractured left fibula) and Alex Rodriguez (left fifth metacarpal fracture) were due for their weekly X-rays Monday night. A-Rod hit in the indoor cages before the game. "Alex will take BP [Tuesday] and Andy will do another flat ground,'' Girardi said. "They're both healing great. And after that flat ground, our hope is maybe we can get him in a bullpen."
