BOSTON — The Yankees’ best department received an improvement Tuesday night in time for the first of three games against the Red Sox at Fenway Park.
Through 19 games, the Yankees’ strength was the bullpen, even though closer David Robertson hadn’t thrown a pitch since April 6.
After a 15-day stretch on the disabled list because of a strained left groin, Robertson was activated and eager to pitch.
“It’s a big relief to me. Five or six days ago I felt good and could definitely pitch at that point,’’ said Robertson, who was 2-for-2 in save situations before suffering the injury against the Blue Jays in Toronto. Robertson did not pitch in the Yankees’ 9-3 rout over the Red Sox Tuesday night.
“It was just a matter of getting into a game, which I was able to do in Tampa,” Robertson said. “Everything went great, no problems, so I am looking forward to getting back into real games.’’
Saturday at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Robertson threw 16 pitches in an intrasquad game with the extended spring team.
“I threw 16 pitches and probably six were where I wanted them,’’ Robertson said. “At least my velocity was good and I didn’t have any problems. I wanted to see how [my groin] responded. The best part is I didn’t have any pain. The command changes when you get in a real game.’’
With Robertson out, Shawn Kelley was used in the closer’s role and did well. Adam Warren filled Kelley’s old setup role and David Phelps registered big outs.
With Robertson back, Kelley works the eighth, and manager Joe Girardi has Warren and Phelps to deepen the pen.
“That’s some tough situations to be put into,’’ Robertson said. “I know a lot of the guys have been in situations like that before but never so many in a row. Those innings can wear on you, they can make you tired and sore the next day. Everyone stepped up, pitched great and got the job done. Hats off to them. I hated to go on the DL and put them in that situation so early, but it happened.”
Girardi stated the obvious when asked what Robertson’s return meant.
“Obviously, it lengthens our bullpen, to get your closer back is always a positive,’’ Girardi said. “It allows us in a sense to do more stuff with Shawn Kelley, where we don’t have to always hold him until the end.’’
Girardi didn’t have to mull over who to play against Red Sox left-hander Jon Lester between Ichiro Suzuki and Brett Gardner .
Ichiro got the nod because of a career .333 (17-for-51) average against Lester compared with Gardner’s .182 (2-for-11). Ichiro went 2-for-4 with a walk.
With his fellow national champions behind him, UConn guard Shabazz Napier threw out Tuesday night’s ceremonial first pitch.