Lyle Overbay summed up the first game in the outfield in his big league career in two words: “I survived.”
The first baseman was forced to make the move now that Mark Teixeira is back and the Yankees can’t afford to have Overbay glued to first base — not with Travis Hafner entrenched at DH.
So instead of being released, Overbay picked up Boone Logan’s glove — he’s getting his own sent to him today — and caught the only fly ball that came in his direction in the 7-4 win over the Indians.
Brennan Boesch was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to make room for Andy Pettitte, who returned last night from the 15-day DL.
Overbay even saluted the Bleacher Creatures as former right fielder Nick Swisher used to do.
“[My] teammates talked me into doing that, so I had to,” Overbay said. “They forced me to.”
More importantly, Overbay hauled in Yan Gomes’ shallow fly ball in the fifth — the only ball hit his way that he had a chance to field — and Joe Girardi said he would use Overbay there again to keep his bat in the lineup.
He did work in the outfield this spring with the Red Sox, but hadn’t actually played there since playing 25 games in Double-A in 2001.
“We’ve been forced into being a little bit creative here because of some of the injuries,’’ Girardi said. “It just gives him an opportunity out there and also gives us a little coverage for [Teixeira] at first base if we feel he needs a day off. We’ll see how it goes.’’
* Chris Stewart said he was back to feeling normal yesterday, but the catcher sat again with the mystery ailment that has plagued him since he was removed from Saturday’s game after experiencing light-headedness.
The catcher was sent to New York Presbyterian twice for tests that included a CT scan and blood work and they haven’t shown anything.
Still, Girardi admitted to being concerned.
“All the tests have come back well, which makes me feel better,” the manager said. “But in the short term, a little bit.”
Stewart said he had no symptoms at all yesterday after intensifying his pregame workout and using a heart monitor to make sure there were no problems. Austin Romine took his spot behind the plate.
* Michael Pineda is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Class-A Tampa on Saturday after he went through a 65-pitch extended spring game yesterday without incident.
There is hope the right-hander could finally pitch for the Yankees next month after being out for more than a year following shoulder surgery.
* Girardi said the team kept David Adams around in part because of his versatility.
“I think with [Kevin Youkilis’ back injury] and wanting to give [Robinson Cano] possibly a day off or a DH day… we like having the extra infielder,” the manager said. Adams was considered a candidate to ship out when Pettitte returned.. … Ben Francisco was released… Brian Cashman’s 14-year-old daughter, Grace, sang the National Anthem.