BOSTON — Michael Pineda’s awful decision to apply pine tar to the right side of his neck Wednesday night and the subsequent 10-game suspension affected the Yankees’ roster Thursday night but they still cruised to a 14-5 victory over the Red Sox at Fenway Park.
Because Pineda’s spot on the 25-man roster can’t be filled, the Yankees played with 24 men in uniform.
“We’ll feel it. We’re feeling it today. We’ll feel it for a number of days,” general manager Brian Cashman said before the game. “But as a team, you’ve got to weather the storm. It’s a different subject, but [David] Robertson goes on the DL, [Mark] Teixeira goes on the DL. Kelly Johnson is now going over to first base, [Scott] Sizemore one day. We’re dealing with a problem, and we weathered that storm and got through it. This is a different type of storm that we will weatherWe have no choice. You’ve got to batten down the hatches. Guys collectively come together and find a way, starting [Thursday] — and if not, starting [Friday] — hopefully 10 days will go quick.’’
Losing the roster spot meant backup shortstop, emergency catcher and pitcher Dean Anna was sent to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. That left Yangervis Solarte as Derek Jeter’s backup, and shortstop isn’t Solarte’s strength.
Right-handed reliever Shane Greene and starting pitcher Bruce Billings were called up while reliever Preston Claiborne was sent down with Anna.
Solarte, who was hitless in his previous 14 at-bats entering the game, went 2-for-5 with four RBIs and a walk.
Adam Warren and David Robertson threw 2²/₃ innings of scoreless relief to close out the game after Greene, making his major league debut, allowed three runs in one-third of an inning.
MLB isn’t contemplating disciplinary action against Girardi for putting his hands on an ESPN dugout camera showing Pineda going into the tunnel that connects the dugout to the clubhouse Wednesday night.
“I am fine with MLB and MLB is fine with me,’’ Girardi said. “I have an issue with [the camera] going down in the tunnel. I know everyone wants access, but there has to be a place we can go where we can communicate with players.’’
Ivan Nova is headed for Tommy John surgery Tuesday. The operation that will sideline the right-hander for 12-to-18 months will be performed by Dr. James Andrews.
Shortstop Brendan Ryan continues to play intrasquad games in Tampa, and he could come off the DL within a week.
Additional reporting by Ken Davidoff