BOSTON — When Joba Chamberlain failed to win the fifth starter’s spot in spring training, it was assumed he would settle into the bullpen as Mariano Rivera’s setup man.
Eventually, that could happen. But 2½ hours before the start of last night’s season last night at Fenway Park against the Red Sox, Yankees manager Joe Girardi didn’t assign that specific role to Chamberlain, who was one of several Bomber relievers to pitch poorly in their 9-7 loss.
Chamberlain gave up one run, two hits and a walk in 1 1/3 innings, and it was Boston’s key insurance run in the eighth inning.
“Right now, the eighth inning is somewhat similar to what it was last year.” Girardi said. “No one has really claimed that spot. Phil Hughes claimed that spot [last year]. That’s something that will work its way out. The sooner, the better for us.”
Though the Yankees never got last night’s loss anywhere near Rivera, no reliever took the opportunity to step up.
Chan Ho Park’s impressive spring has made him a candidate for the eighth-inning role, but the Yankees will be careful of putting too heavy a work load on the right-hander who gave up three runs (two earned) and three hits in two-thirds of an inning.
“We don’t use guys three games in a row here, so it could change from time to time,” said Girardi, who also has David Robertson and Damaso Marte in the mix. Neither pitched well last night.
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The mountain of postgame ice on Mark Teixeira’s left knee did not mean there was a problem with the Yankees first baseman.
“I took a foul ball off it [last week] and have been icing it along with my elbow,” said Teixeira, who went 0-for-4.
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Nick Johnson hit second and Jorge Posada sixth in last night’s game.
Girardi said he was confident that Johnson’s bruised right knee wouldn’t lead to a scratch, but he wanted to watch the DH take batting practice. Posada said the stiffness in his neck was gone.
Johnson went 0-for-3, walked twice and fanned once. Posada’s neck was no problem, because he went 3-for-4 with a homer and two RBIs but did commit a costly passed ball.
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Andy Pettitte is to throw a bullpen session today, and A.J. Burnett will play catch. Otherwise, the Yankees won’t work out.
Burnett faces lefty Jon Lester tomorrow night, and Pettitte opposes righty John Lackey on Wednesday night.
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Girardi said he could have used backup catcher Francisco Cervelli last night, but the left hamstring problem hadn’t healed to the point where he could run 100 percent.
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The Yankees were planning on having a hotel ballroom in which the players could watch tonight’s NCAA title game between Duke and Butler.