Because of Tuesday night’s wash-out, Joe Girardi never had to fill out a lineup card. Thus, the Yankees manager didn’t have to deal with where to play Derek Jeter.
“We’ll see where he’s at [Wednesday],” Girardi said. “I didn’t have to play him, so that’s good.’’
Girardi, who has used Jeter as the DH in the last four games because of a lower left leg bone bruise, will watch Jeter move in the first game of a day-night doubleheader against the Blue Jays before committing to using Jeter in the nightcap as well.
“That’s a wait-and-see. My guess is that he tells me he feels great and he’ll want to play both. but I’ll wait and see,’’ said Girardi, who has started Eduardo Nunez at short in the four games Jeter has been the DH.
Jeter is riding a 12-game hitting streak in which he is batting .400 (22-for-55), has driven in nine runs and is 6-for-14 (.429) with runners in scoring position.
With every game crucial in a tight AL East race, Girardi has to decide if Jeter’s potent bat is more important than giving him a game off.
***
Billy Connors was informed his role with the Yankees’ organization is changing, The Post has learned.
Connors, a long-time employee of the Yankees and a close confidant of the late George Steinbrenner, was told by minor league head Mark Newman he was relieved of his duties as VP, player personnel immediately, though he will continue to get paid until the end of the calendar year.
General manager Brian Cashman refused comment when asked if Connors were fired, demoted or re-assigned.
A fixture at big league spring training camp, Connors has been offered to keep that gig.
Connors, 70, has held numerous jobs with the Yankees. His most recent was working with pitchers in the injury rehab program at the Yankees’ minor league complex in Tampa.
Connors served as the Yankees pitching coach three times, in 1989-90, 1995-95 and in 2000 when Mel Stottlemyre left the club when diagnosed with cancer.
Connors was also a pitching coach for the Royals, Cubs and Mariners.
***
The Yankees didn’t have to activate Brett Gardner from the 60-day disabled list because of the rainout. That move likely will be made Wednesday.
In order to bring Andy Pettitte and Gardner off the 60-day DL the Yankees have to let two players go off the 40-man roster, which is full.
Though Gardner — who hasn’t played since April because of a right elbow injury that required surgery — isn’t cleared to hit, the Yankees could use his speed to pinch-run and possibly for late-game defense.
“As far as I know, right now maybe some pinch running toward end of the game,” Gardner said of his immediate role. “Possibly playing some defense for an inning or two, I’m not sure if that’s something they want to do right now or something they want to wait on. I’m ready for that. I don’t know if they feel comfortable with me in that spot.
“I’ve been taking fly balls since last homestand. Past few days since the team’s been home, throwing, throwing to bases. Running obviously, keeping my legs in shape. Started a hitting program today. Took some light swings today and hopefully can take [batting practice] probably in a week and a half or so if things go well.’’
Though Girardi understands hitting isn’t part of Gardner’s program now, he didn’t entirely rule out Gardner being part of the 25-man postseason roster if the Yankees make it that far.
“I wouldn’t say he’s completely ruled out,” Girardi said. “It’s something that you sit around the table, you talk about it.’’
What Girardi doesn’t think is a wise idea is using a roster spot in order to have Gardner limited to just bunting.
“It’s tough when people know you aren’t supposed to swing,” Girardi said. “They can play 30 feet away.’’
As far as hitting, Gardner said that isn’t in the present program.
“Definitely not right now,” he said. “I think I’m ready, but obviously haven’t progressed to that. Something that’s going to take a little while to get to. I feel really good, felt really good for a while. Today is exactly eight weeks since surgery. Probably around the five-to-six week mark I felt like I turned a corner. Two weeks ago, I started feeling good.’’
Could he be hitting by the end of the season?
“I’m not expecting that,” he said. “I think that if the timetable works out maybe the last few days of the season I could be ready for that but there’s no need to even speculate on that. I know what my role is. I’m obviously excited to do that.’’