The LoHud Yankees Blog

Mark Teixeira’s wife had a baby this morning, Robinson Cano started feeling sick yesterday, Jorge Posada played three games in a row and Curtis Granderson has long struggled against left-handed pitchers.

All of that left Joe Girardi’s lineup options extremely limited. For the first time this season, someone other than Teixeira is the No. 3 hitter, and his replacement is Marcus Thames, who got the last spot on the bench in spring training.

“You look at Marcus’s at-bats against left-handers,” Girardi said. “He’s been outstanding this year. He’s seen C.J. Wilson, so we felt we would put him in the third spot and go from there.”

The situation might not be much different tomorrow.

Teixeira: “I expect to have him some time in Kansas City,” Girardi said. “We want to make sure everything is OK, so I think it will be sometime in Kansas City.”

Cano: “I hope I feel better tomorrow,” Cano said. “I didn’t have energy yesterday. Just tried to play, and I don’t want to take a chance again today.”

Posada: Girardi said he won’t commit to a lineup until he has to, but it’s been a long, long time since Posada caught Javier Vazquez. He could DH, but that would leave Thames in the outfield in place of either Swisher or Kearns.

Granderson: Girardi hinted that Granderson will start tomorrow against Cliff Lee. Granderson is a career .300 hitter in 40 at-bats against Lee.

• Teixeira’s son’s name is William Charles Teixeira.

• Cano is available to pinch hit, Girardi said.

• Joba Chamberlain is almost certainly not available. Girardi said he would have to check with Boone Logan to make sure he could use his only lefty reliever.

• Girardi said he has checked with Gene Monahan to make sure Alex Rodriguez’ ankle is OK, but “I anticipate he’s over it,” Girardi said.

• Andy Pettitte is not with the team. He’s already down in Tampa scheduled to face hitters on Thursday.

• Alfredo Aceves begins a rehab assignment tonight.

• Not much of an update on Damaso Marte: “He’s just kind of plowing along here, and he’s gotten stronger,” Girardi said. “He hasn’t done any work off a mound yet, but he’s playing catch and he’s throwing harder and things are better.”

Associated Press photo of Granderson

Robinson Cano said he’s out of today’s lineup because he’s been sick since yesterday. He called it a cold, and his voice is a little more scratchy than usual. He said he’s felt low on energy.

Cano has taken some medicine and plans to take some batting practice in the cage, but he’s not sure whether he’ll be able to pinch hit.

As for Mark Teixeira, I haven’t seen him, but he is listed as a bench player and listed in the batting practice groups. Doesn’t mean he’ll be here, just means his name is on the list. Take that for what it’s worth, which might not be much.

No Robinson Cano either.

Derek Jeter SS
Nick Swisher RF
Marcus Thames DH
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Austin Kearns LF
Lance Berkman 1B
Francisco Cervelli C
Brett Gardner CF
Ramiro Pena 2B

Because a lot of this year’s HOPE Week events are surprises for the individuals and groups involved, most of the day-to-day details are not yet available to the public. This is the latest press release from the team announcing the return of HOPE Week. A few additional details have been given to the media for planning purposes, and it honestly sounds like an amazing series of events for some very deserving people.

The New York Yankees are proud to announce details regarding their 2010 HOPE Week (Helping Others Persevere & Excel), a unique week-long community program that will bring to light five remarkable stories intended to inspire individuals into action in their own communities.

Initiated in 2009, HOPE Week is rooted in the fundamental belief that acts of goodwill provide hope and encouragement to more than just the recipient of the gesture.

Each day from Monday, August 16, through Friday, August 20, the Yankees will reach out to an individual, family or organization worthy of recognition and support. Though each day’s celebration will culminate at Yankee Stadium, outreach will often take place away from the Stadium, allowing the Yankees to personally connect with individuals and highlight their success.

A unique aspect of HOPE Week is that every player on the roster, as well as Manager Joe Girardi and his coaching staff, will participate in the outreach for the five events.

Equally significant during HOPE Week is gaining publicity for the highlighted causes and organizations. The greatest challenge facing many not-for-profits is generating interest, awareness and funding for their missions.

Last year’s HOPE Week introduced fans to community heroes Marco and Jen Chiappetta and their Patchwork of Young Leaders Society. Yankees players and Girardi joined them in their home to take part in their mentoring program. The Yankees also encountered Tom Ellenson, Ranjit Seal and Melvin Williams, each of whom have overcome disabilities and serve as inspirational members of society. In addition, the organization held an anniversary celebration for George Murray, his wife, Kim, and their 4-year-old son, Trason. Murray had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and succumbed to the disease a couple of weeks after his Stadium visit. The club also hosted an overnight carnival for Camp Sundown participants, who suffer from a rare genetic disorder that does not allow them exposure to UV light.

The Yankees community initiative was recognized at the 11th Annual National Sportsmanship Awards in St. Louis in November 2009, honoring their work with Camp Sundown. Additionally, President Barack Obama officially announced the return of HOPE Week in 2010 during an April 26 White House ceremony celebrating the team’s 2009 World Series championship.

HOPE Week events and individuals will be introduced via a series of press releases prior to each day’s events. The Yankees thank DKNY, Dylan’s Candy Bar, Flyte Tyme Worldwide Transportation, Hard Rock Cafe, Kunath Signs, Legends Hospitality Management, Majestic, Modell’s, New Era, New Jersey Transit, New York City MTA, New York Stock Exchange, Nike, NYPD, Party City, Turkey Hill and Utz for their upcoming HOPE Week generosity.

Tonight
RHP A.J. Burnett (9-9, 4.93)
vs.
LHP C.J. Wilson (10-5, 3.40)
8:05 p.m., MY9

Wednesday
RHP Javier Vazquez (9-8, 4.63)
vs.
LHP Cliff Lee (10-5, 2.44)
8:05 p.m., YES Network

Joe Girardi said yesterday that he plans to stick with his rotation shuffle. Unless something changes this afternoon in Dallas, Burnett will start tonight’s series opener after skipping his scheduled start on Sunday.

I really wish I’d been patient this morning because the breakfast options in Cincinnati are much better than they were an LaGuardia. As it is, I’m just sitting at the gate, killing 40 minutes before finishing my trip to Dallas.

Mark Teixeira might not be there when I arrive.

The Yankees first baseman was given permission to stay behind in New York because his wife is due to give birth at some point today. As Teixeira told Marc Carig, “This is not an exact science.” It’s hard to say when he might rejoin the team. Obviously the sooner the better for everyone involved.

Without Teixeira, I have to wonder whether Jorge Posada might return to the designated hitter role for at least one game. Joe Girardi has been hesitant to use Posada in that spot lately, but he plans to catch Francisco Cervelli for each of the games in Texas, and losing both Posada’s bat and Teixeira’s bat would be a significant blow.

Associated Press photo of Teixeira

The Yankees were lamenting all their missed chances in this 2-1 loss to the Red Sox – bases loaded and nobody out in the seventh; first and second, one out in the eighth; and man on second, one out in the ninth. They were 0 for 9 with runners in scoring position and 2 for 17 with runners on base.

“We had some opportunities,” said Austin Kearns, who grounded out against Jonathan Papelbon to end the eighth. ”It just didn’t happen today.”

They also were amazed that Marcus Thames didn’t hit a two-run homer in the seventh. The ball hit right near the top of the fence in right-center and ended up as a double. “Just inches away,” he said. …

The Yankees could’ve buried the Red Sox. Instead, despite all their injuries, the Sox gained a split. So they’re still just six out.

“If their pitching stays healthy, that’s all that matters,” Mark Teixeira said. “Pitching is everything in this game. Their starting five is as good as anyone’s in baseball. And they have arguably the best eighth- and ninth-inning guys in baseball as well. That combination is really tough. You put that together with a lineup where a guy like Mike Lowell can hit seventh, that’s a good team. I don’t care how many injuries they’ve had or have right now. That’s a really good team over there.” …

Phil Hughes has given up three runs or less in five of his last six starts. He thought he was making decent pitches during the first and second innings but wasn’t getting any results. But then he did start getting them. He retired 14 of his last 15 batters and allowed two runs — both in the second — and six hits over six.

Besides tying Mel Ott’s all-time record for hits by a player with a New York team at 2,876, Derek Jeter played his 46th consecutive errorless game, tying his career high. …

The Yankees’ bullpen continued to look good, combining for three hitless innings. The relievers have held teams scoreless in 12 of their last 14 games, posting a 1.30 ERA and a .143 batting average against over that span.

OK, that’s it for tonight.

Update, 2:26: Jon Lester hasn’t won a game since the All-Star break, dropping all four of his starts and allowing at least four runs each time. But he looked sharp in that bottom of the first, taking down the side 1-2-3.

Update, 2:29: Great sliding backhanded catch by Swisher there to rob Mike Lowell on his slicing drive down the right-field line.

Update, 2:33: When Jorge Posada threw that ball into center field on Ryan Kalish’s steal attempt, it marked his seventh error, tying Francisco Cervelli for the team high. This error led to the first run of the game thanks to the bouncer in the shortstop hole by Bill Hall that left Derek Jeter with no play.

Update, 2:37: Terry Francona dropped Jacoby Ellsbury to the bottom of the order. He was 0 for 16 since coming back from the DL and 0 for 22 overall. And wouldn’t you know, he responds with a single in his first at-bat. Hughes has given up five hits already and there’s one out in the second.

Update, 2:44: Hughes’ command is off. Chad Gaudin is starting to warm up.

Update, 2:49: Hughes escaped down just 2-0. Both runs in the inning were earned despite Posada’s error.

Update, 3:17: Lester’s has allowed no hits and two walks through three.

Update, 3:22: Hughes has settled down. That’s eight straight. Now the Yankees will go shopping for a hit in the last of the fourth. 

Update, 3:31: No-hitter with with three walks and three Ks through four for Lester.

Update, 3:48: Who had Austin Kearns in the first-hit pool? Lester got through 4 1/3 before Kearns grounded that single into left-center. It was also his first hit as a Yankee after heading into that at-bat at 0 for 6.

Update, 3:51: That single by Jeter means he’s tied with Mel Ott for the most hits by a player while playing for a New York team, Yankees/Highlanders, Mets, Giants and Dodgers. Jeter has 2,876, tied for 38th on the all-time list. But  Swisher fanned with runners at the corners to end the threat. So it’s 2-0 through five. Hughes is at 97 pitches, so there’s warm-up action in the pen. That’s Kerry Wood.

Update, 4:02: I believe Hughes is at 114 pitches. So he’s probably done. All in all, a nice job after his early struggle. He allowed two runs and six hits over six. So five of his last six starts, he has given up three runs or less.

Update, 4:08: Wood is coming on for the seventh with the Yankees down 2-0.

Update, 4:28: Two quick hits for the Yankees in the seventh, matching their total for the game. Marcus Thames nearly tied it with that shot off the top of the wall in right-center. So it’s second and third and no outs.

Update, 4:31: Lester is on the edge here, bases loaded and no outs after hitting Kearns. He’s at 95 pitches.

Update, 4:33: Granderson goes down swinging at a curve, so he’s down to .206 vs. lefties. Lester is done. Daniel Bard is coming on.

Update, 4:38: That was a 98 mph fastball from Bard that Jeter swung through for the second out.

Update, 4:41: Wow. Daniel Bard got Jeter on three pitches and fanned Swisher on three pitches. None was less than 97 mph. The last one to Swisher was a 99 mph toss that was tailing low and away. We go to the eighth. Boone Logan is on to pitch.

Update, 4:45: Joba is coming on after Logan got David Ortiz on a long fly to right-center.

Update, 4:51: Good job by Chamberlain, two up, two down.

Update, 4:53: That one from Bard was 97 and straight. Mark Teixeira hit it into the second deck on a 3-1 count, his 26th of the season. And it’s 2-1 in the eighth.

Update, 4:56: A-Rod’s single to left-center came on a 99 mph fastball. Brett Gardner has gone in to run for him.

Update, 5:02: Papelbon warming for the Sox.

Update, 5:08: Francona is calling on Papelbon to try for a four-out save. It’s first and second, two outs, now that Lance Berkman has popped to shallow left as a pinch hitter for Thames.

Update, 5:11: Good job by Papelbon, bad job by Kearns. First-pitch grounder to second. Joba is back out for the ninth.

Update, 5:26: Great diving stop by Ramiro Pena at third to save a run and end the inning after the throw to first, 2-1 going to the last of the ninth. Granderson, Jeter and Swisher are due up.

Update, 5:37: Potential tying run in scoring position now that Jeter has swiped second after his walk, his 12th in 16 tries. But Swisher went down swinging for the second out.

Update, 5:45: Teixeira goes down swinging. So the Red Sox win 2-1 and get a split of the four-game series. They are six games back.

Brian Heyman here for Chad today at Yankee Stadium for this series finale. Andy Pettitte threw warmups, sat for five minutes, then tossed his 20-minute bullpen session this morning. He said he still has to be get back in shape coming back from his groin strain. He said his left leg felt fatigued after pushing himself, but he thought that was normal. He also said his arm is in good shape.

The next step is to throw a simulated game on Thurday or Friday in Tampa. And if all goes well, he will take one minor-league rehab start next week. The hope is for him to return vs. in the Aug. 21 or 22 range. But Pettitte said if he doesn’t feel comfortable in the rehab start, he will take one extra to be on the safe side. “I realize I’m not here to win one game in August,” Pettitte said. …

A.J. Burnett was going to test his lower back by playing catch before this game, but we didn’t see him in the clubhouse after that to see how it went. Before he went out, he said his lower back spasms/tightness scared him since he hadn’t had a back problem before. He was playing catch with Dave Eiland on Saturday. “It just went out,” Burnett said. He still asked to pitch last night, but Joe Girardi decided to play it safe and start him tomorrow night in Texas.

“It was the right call,” Burnett said. ”The extra day totally helped. … It feels a lot better today.” 

Girardi expects him to make that start – unless, of course, there was a problem with today’s throwing. … 

Girardi said he prefers to keep Jorge Posada and Francisco Cervelli paired with same pitchers when possible. Posada is catching for the third day in a row. …

The Yankees are starting a stretch against four lefties in a row. Brett Gardner, who has been slumping, isn’t starting today against Jon Lester. Austin Kearns is in left. Girardi said Curtis Granderson may sit tomorrow night against C.J. Wilson. … 

Girardi also likes the improvement he has seen in Boone Logan in his bullpen.

“He’s gotten big outs for us,” Girardi said.

Here’s the Boston lineup:

1. Marco Scutaro SS

2. J.D. Drew RF

3. Victor Martinez C

4. David Ortiz DH

5. Adrian Beltre 3B

6. Mike Lowell 1b

7. Ryan Kalish LF

8. Bill Hall 2B

9. Jacoby Ellsbury CF

Jon Lester P

I’m fortunate to have a day off before flying to Dallas far too early tomorrow morning. Brian is at the stadium where the Yankees are playing Jorge Posada for a third straight game.

Derek Jeter SS
Nick Swisher RF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Jorge Posada C
Marcus Thames DH
Austin Kearns LF
Curtis Granderson CF