Yankees' Eiland works on Burnett's mechanics

On his second day back as Yankees pitching coach, Dave Eiland took on his most pressing assignment: fixing A.J. Burnett.

With Burnett stuck in one of the worst struggles of his career, Eiland said he suggested some tweaks to the righthander's delivery during a bullpen session Wednesday afternoon.

Having watched Burnett's last two starts on television while he was on personal leave, Eiland said he noticed two mechanical things that he believes could be behind Burnett's 11.35 ERA in his last five starts.

Eiland said Burnett's front shoulder was opening up during his delivery and his right arm was slinging across his side instead of coming over the top of his shoulder.

Eiland was confident Burnett got the message, but he isn't promising immediate results.

"He's in a good place," Eiland said. "But from what he tells me, he was in a good place after his last two sides. You've got to take it on the field."

Burnett, who was not in the clubhouse after their bullpen session, lost all five of his starts during Eiland's absence.

Trainer's room

Brett Gardner's right wrist still was swollen noticeably Wednesday, three days after getting hit by a pitch in that spot, but he said he was encouraged by how it looked and felt.

"I guess it is swollen, but it doesn't look swollen to me after the way it looked the last couple of days," he said.

Gardner said he feels good enough to start taking some swings again, but the Yankees held him out of batting practice. He hopes to return to the lineup this afternoon.

Girardi looks at Star stats

Joe Girardi, who will manage the American League in the All-Star Game in two weeks, said he has begun looking at statistics of potential All-Stars. He also said Phil Hughes' innings limit this season "won't have anything to do" with his availability for the Midsummer Classic.