MLB

Joba could replace Hughes in eighth-inning role

MINNEAPOLIS — Joba Chamberlain outpitched Phil Hughes in the three-game ALDS.

So, will Yankee manager Joe Girardi think of using Chamberlain in the eighth inning and Hughes before him?

“Right now I have no thoughts on that,” Girardi said while champagne was being sprayed around him. “We have to make our evaluations.”

YANKEES BLOG

BOX SCORE

In three games, Chamberlain worked 1 2/3 scoreless innings, allowed two hits and fanned one. Hughes worked two frames in three games, gave up two runs (9.00 ERA), five hits and a walk.

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Andy Pettitte’s start last night was his 36th in the postseason, most in MLB history. The victory was his 15th, and tied him for the most with ex-Brave John Smoltz.

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Derek Jeter has hit safely in 40 of his last 48 postseason games since 2002. He has 74 hits in 53 postseason games.

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After leading the majors with 51 come-from-behind victories in the regular season, the Yankees came from behind in all three ALDS wins.

“There never is any sign of panic here,” said CC Sabathia.

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Girardi doesn’t agree with Twins manager Ron Gardenhire’s belief that a system be implemented in which a manager could challenge an umpire’s call by throwing a red flag.

“I might be dangerous with that red flag,” Girardi said before last night’s clincher. “I think it really breaks the rhythm of the game.”

Girardi believes the regular season offers something the playoffs don’t.

“Everything during the course of the year is going to balance out,” Girardi said. “In the playoffs, it’s different, and how many red flags would you be allowed to throw? The rhythm is important to your pitchers, and I think it would really hurt that.”

The issue is in play because left-field umpire Phil Cuzzi blew a fair/foul call in Game 2 Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium.

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Gardenhire said he didn’t think about using Joe Mauer as DH last night despite Mauer’s sore hip.

“No consideration whatsoever,” Gardenhire said. “I can’t tell you how it’s feeling and how much it hurts. You have to ask him, and he will tell you the same thing he told me — ‘I have been playing with it for a few days here and I will continue to play with it.’ ”

Mauer went 1-for-4 last night and finished the ALDS at .417 (5-for-12).