Eduardo Nunez is currently the Yankees’ only healthy shortstop.
That may change soon.
Derek Jeter went 2-for-3 with a run and an RBI in five innings Thursday night in his first rehab game for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre against Pawtucket as he comes back from a strained right calf.
He is scheduled to play again tonight and could rejoin the Yankees tomorrow in St. Petersburg, Fla., to face the Rays.
Until then, with the team’s decision to recall right-handed reliever Preston Claiborne yesterday to replace Jayson Nix, the Yankees were left with a short bench.
Manager Joe Girardi said he wanted protection for the bullpen since he had used long relievers Adam Warren and David Huff Wednesday.
“You have to weigh which one was most important and we thought making sure you have pitching depth was more important,” Girardi said.
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Jeter had a double last night and, according to a scout in attendance, didn’t run full speed on a groundout. He can ill afford another setback if he hopes to contribute the rest of this season.
Both the series in Tampa Bay and in Toronto will be played on artificial turf, which isn’t ideal for a player coming off multiple leg injuries.
“The concern is making sure he’s healthy,” Girardi said. “If you have to give him a day off, give him a day off. But we have to make sure he can go back-to-back [days].”
Girardi also acknowledged that Nix, who fractured his left hand when he was hit by a pitch Wednesday, is likely out for the rest of the season.
“We haven’t got a timetable, but my guess would be yes,” Girardi said.
* Kevin Youkilis (back) is still experiencing soreness in his back and doesn’t know when he will even pick up a bat.
“Hopefully in due time, I’ll do some baseball activities,” Youkilis said. “There hasn’t been a major setback. I get soreness.”
He said he feels better than he did earlier in the season, when he experienced pain radiating down his leg, as well as numbness.
* Because of the bad weather, fans may redeem their valid tickets to yesterday’s game — regardless of whether they were used to attend yesterday’s — for a free Grandstand Level or Terrace Level ticket for any of the games against the White Sox (Sept. 2-4), subject to availability. Alternatively, fans may choose to use yesterday’s valid tickets as a coupon for 50 percent off the purchase price of a ticket in any other non-suite seating location to one of the games against the White Sox, subject to availability.
* Girardi said he liked what he saw from Alex Rodriguez after a day off.
“I thought he looked better,” Girardi said of the third baseman, who was rested after playing both ends of a doubleheader Tuesday. “I have to watch him.”
Girardi remains pleased with how his team has dealt with the ongoing Rodriguez distraction.
“I think our team has handled it well with what’s been going on,” said Girardi, who approved of Rodriguez’s decision to stop attacking team management and the league. “It’s easier on Alex to focus on the game rather focus on other stuff. Try to put this on the [backburner].”