LOS ANGELES — Watching Robinson Cano not run hard to first base is a common sight by now, and something that doesn’t seem to bother manager Joe Girardi.
But watching Derek Jeter, who has been advised by Girardi to be careful with his right quadriceps, not go full tilt down the line is a strange sight.
Four times Jeter hit ground balls Tuesday night against the Dodgers, and each time he never got into high gear going to first. In the eighth inning of a 2-2 game Jeter would have beaten out a grounder to short had he turned it loose.
“You have to be smart about it,.” Girardi said. “It’s not what we are used to seeing, but we are trying to protect his legs. He understands if he wants to play the rest of the year he might have to do that for a while.’’
Jeter went 0-for-3 with a walk in the Yankees’ 3-0 win over the Dodgers Wednesday night. After Jeter’s walk in the ninth, he was replaced by a pinch runner, Eduardo Nunez.
* Francisco Cervelli saw a hand specialist in Cleveland on Monday to have his right index finger examined. Though that went reasonably well, the more ominous appointment is Aug. 5 when the catcher will have his right elbow examined by Dr. James Andrews.
Having carved out a reputation as a player who never goes anywhere on a baseball field without maximum effort, Jeter is struggling with the instructions from the medical staff after two games back from the disabled list.
“It’s tough. You try to make a conscious effort not to do anything stupid, but it’s difficult to do,’’ Jeter said. “I’m trying to do what I’m told. Your natural reaction is to run as hard as you can. I have the whispers coming in my head. I feel weird talking about it.’’
While on the DL with the fractured right hand (the bone was near the finger), Cervelli suffered a stress reaction in the elbow while throwing.
“None of the information is a positive situation,’’ general manager Brian Cashman said.
Cervelli has been out since April 26 and is not a strong candidate to return this season.
* Cashman said Kevin Youkilis might return from back surgery in late September.
“He feels he has a chance to get back. It hasn’t cleared itself yet, but I know he is hopeful that is going to happen and “I know with the time frame there is an outside chance of that happening,” Cashman said of the corner infielder who played in 28 games and underwent back surgery June 20. Youkilis is doing rehab work in New York.
* Andy Pettitte’s last two outings are an indication the veteran lefty is poised for a strong finish. Tuesday night in a 3-2 loss that went to reliever Shawn Kelley, Pettitte allowed two runs in seven innings. In his past two starts Pettitte has worked 16 innings and given up four runs.
Always the perfectionist, Pettitte is bothered by his first innings which haven’t been good. In 19 first innings Pettitte has given up 16 earned runs to post a 7.58 ERA. Hitters are batting .369 (31-for-84), have drawn seven walks and have a .961 OPS.
“I know what I am doing and I am fighting myself,’’ said Pettitte, who gave up a run and two hits in the opening frame Tuesday night. “I am fighting mechanics. My arm is long, the stuff is cutting. I know what I am doing. In the bullpen it’s great. It’s a matter of doing it on the mound.’’
* Curtis Granderson (fractured left pinkie) moved closer to coming off the DL Wednesday when he went 1 for 3 with two walks for Double-A Trenton against Harrisburg. The left-handed hitting outfielder is 2-for-11 with an RBI and four walks in four minor league games (two with Single-A Tampa and two with Trenton).
Cashman said Granderson could be activated tomorrow in San Diego.
* David Phelps (strained right forearm) has made two minor league rehab starts and could be ready after a third. Or he could rejoin the Yankees.
Phelps went four innings Tuesday for Trenton and allowed a run and three hits. In two starts for the Thunder, Phelps has allowed three earned runs in 7 2/3 innings in which he has fanned a dozen.
“We are still discussing that,’’ Cashman said of what is next for Phelps. “The maximum is one more [rehab] start.” but I am not saying he is going to make one more.’’
Friday night marks the first Yankees game at Petco Park in San Diego. Since 1961 the Yankees are 19-18 in first games in a ballpark.
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* As he has been by other teams throughout the season, Mariano Rivera was honored in a pregame ceremony by the Dodgers.
Rivera was presented with a $10,000 check for charity, and some fishing equipment. He was also the subject of a video tribute by legendary announcer Vin Scully. Joining Rivera at the home plate ceremony was former Yankees teammate and Dodgers manager Don Mattingly and Dodgers part owner Magic Johnson.