MINNEAPOLIS – Unable to get cell-phone reception in the Yankee clubhouse, manager Joe Girardi made the long walk to the Metrodome playing field so he could make the call and find out what minor-league reliever or two could make it to the big leagues in time for today’s game against the Twins.
“We are depleted,” said Girardi, who used five relievers in last night’s 7-6, 12-inning win.
“[Jose] Veras and [Edwar] Ramirez have worked two straight days, Mo [Rivera] has worked four of the last five games and [Ross] Ohlendorf threw 45 pitches.”
One option the Yankees had vanished when Jeff Karstens left a start against Rochester last night with a groin problem. He opened the season on the DL with a similar injury.
Since Joba Chamberlain is expected to throw no more than 70 pitches Tuesday night in his first big-league start and Mike Mussina goes Wednesday, the Yankees had plans to add a reliever. Now, those plans have been accelerated.
According to International League talent evaluators, the best starter for Scranton-Wilkes Barre lately has been Dan Giese, a 31-year-old right-hander with eight games of big-league experience, all of them last year with the Giants. Giese is 4-2 with a 2.02 ERA in 12 games (nine starts).
Steven White (4-2, 3.83 in 12 games, nine starts) is also in the mix.
The little-used Morgan Ensberg is the likely choice to be sent packing. Ensberg, who was signed for $1.75 million, is batting .203 in 28 games and hasn’t started May 15 and has five at-bats since then.
Shelley Duncan, who is hitting .161 in 21 games and has been given ample chances to play against lefties, is in danger of being optioned when Jorge Posada is ready.
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Friday night there was a small chance Posada could return from the DL Tuesday night. Now, the best guess is Thursday.
“He will catch Monday and Tuesday in extended spring training, and if everything goes OK, he could catch here Thursday,” Girardi said.
Posada has been out since late April with rotator cuff tendinitis.
He went 2-for-4 in an extended spring game yesterday and is 8-for-22. The big step yesterday was that Posada was allowed to throw to bases during the game and, according to Girardi, Posada made two “strong throws and had good (throwing) times.”
Said Posada, “The second one was better than the first. I felt good throwing the ball.
Girardi repeated yesterday that when Posada does return the club will keep Chad Moeller as the third catcher.
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Bobby Abreu’s steal of second in the first inning Friday night was the 300th stolen base of his career. He is the 12th player since 1950 to reach 400 doubles, 200 homers and 300 stolen bases.