With the Yankees attempting to catch the Rays for the second AL wild-card ticket, one of their key relievers is on the shelf.
Shawn Kelley wasn’t available Thursday night when manager Joe Girardi called for Joba Chamberlain in the 10th inning of a crushing 9-8 loss to the Red Sox.
“He hasn’t been available for the last few days and he won’t be available for a while,’’ Girardi said of the valuable right-hander who is saddled with a triceps problem. “I am not sure exactly when we will get him back.’’
Kelley, who hasn’t pitched since Sunday when he helped flush a lead, has appeared in 52 games, is 4-2 with a 3.96 ERA and fanned 66 in 50 innings.
According to Girardi tests uncovered “a little inflammation and he is just sore.’’
Girardi had Phil Hughes to use instead of the struggling Chamberlain but with Hughes moving to the bullpen Tuesday, Girardi didn’t think that was the right move.
“It’s pretty tough to put him in a spot like that when he hasn’t pitched in that situation,’’ Girardi said of the former starter who hasn’t worked in relief this season.
Though the Red Sox haven’t clinched anything yet Girardi viewed the four-game series against the AL East leaders that opened Thursday night as more important to the hosts than visitors.
“I think it probably means more to us because of where we are in the standings,’’ said Girardi, whose club fell nine games behind the Red Sox. “They have a little bit of a cushion. It means a lot to us. But if you are in their shoes you are fighting for home-field advantage [in the playoffs].’’
The 85-57 Red Sox have the best record in the AL.
The Rays, who remain 2 ¹/₂ games ahead of the Yankees in the wild-card race after their 6-2 loss to the Angels Thursday night, aren’t keeping Girardi up until the early morning hours while playing late games on the West Coast.
“Not to completion,’’ Girardi said when asked if he watched the Rays’ games. “I check scores. That’s way too late. We can’t get too caught up in what they are doing because there are other teams that are around us as well.’’
The Yankees are attempting to get some of their D’led players back before the season ends. Listening to Girardi, the most likely one is switch-hitting outfielder Zoilo Almonte (sprained left ankle).
“He will play seven innings [for Double-A Trenton] in the playoff game [Thursday night],’’ Girardi said of Almonte, who has been out since July 20.
As for the rest of the group that includes Travis Hafner (rotator cuff strain), Kevin Youkilis (back surgery) and David Phelps (strained right forearm), Girardi wasn’t high on getting them back.
“Haf has done one simulated game and is not quite ready to go yet. Youk has done some dry swings. Youk is probably the least probable of the three and Almonte is the furthest ahead,’’ Girardi said. “[Phelps] will throw a bullpen [session] in the next few days. Maybe you get him back at the end of the year as relief but I am not sure about that either.’’
The Yankees would have to reach the World Series in order for Jayson Nix (fractured left hand) to be eligible.
Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia hasn’t played since Monday because of a back problem. He could return Saturday.