MINNEAPOLIS – Derek Jeter didn’t second-guess himself for testing right fielder Michael Cuddyer’s throwing arm in the eighth inning of last night’s 6-5 loss to the Twins.
With the score tied 5-5 and one out, Jeter hit a ball over Cuddyer’s head and thought about a double immediately. However, Cuddyer played the carom with his bare hand and fired a strike to second to get Jeter.
“It took a perfect play,” Jeter said. “He couldn’t have done anything more. If the throw is to the left or right a foot I am safe.”
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Johnny Damon hit into four double plays last year, four the year before and five in 2005. So, he is scratching his head over having banged into three twin killings in the past three games.
“That’s strange,” said Damon, who killed a fourth-inning rally by hitting into a 6-4-3 double play and has hit into four already this year. “I have gone years where I have hit into four for the season.”
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Kyle Farnsworth said working a third game in four days wasn’t the reason he pitched poorly in the decisive eighth.
“I feel strong, my arm feels good,” said Joba Chamberlain‘s replacement. “Three of four doesn’t bother me at all.”
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The Yankees will add Dan Giese to the bullpen tonight to provide length if needed when Chamberlain leaves his first big-league start.
Who will go to make room for the 31-year-old right-hander wasn’t decided last night. Because the Yanks are adding a pitcher for depth, it’s not likely another pitcher will be sent out. And La Troy Hawkins‘ appeal of a three-game suspension will be heard today, so he could be inactive by game time.
If Hawkins is active, Shelley Duncan‘s roster spot could be in jeopardy. With a spot needed Thursday when Jorge Posada comes off the disabled list, the Yankees could send out a pitcher then.
Duncan, who has options, is hitting .161 (9-for-56).
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Posada played in an extended spring training game yesterday, going 1-for-3 with a walk against the Phillies. Most important, he threw to the bases twice and tried to pick a runner off second.