David Robertson could be back from the disabled list next Friday in Detroit, but the closer’s job he got after Mariano Rivera tore his ACL might not be waiting for him.
Joe Girardi said yesterday he was unsure who would have the role, since Rafael Soriano has done well with Robertson sidelined by a strained oblique.
For now, though, the choice is clear.
“He’s closing games for me,” Girardi said of Soriano before last night’s 8-3 win over the Royals. “He’s my closer.”
But he wasn’t prepared to make a full-time commitment to the right-hander, who has three saves this season.
“Every spot has to be earned and you have to continue to produce,” Girardi said. “Obviously, he had a track record as a closer. He’s been very successful and I expect him to do that here.”
So far, the manager has liked what he’s seen.
“I’ve been comfortable bringing in [Soriano] when I’ve been bringing him in,” Girardi said. “It’s because of his experience and what he’s done.”
He had his first one-run save in Tuesday’s 3-2 win against Kansas City, but he hardly has been overwhelming since joining the Yankees as a free agent in 2011.
One thing he’s not worried about is Soriano’s durability.
“I’ve watched him work from afar and managed him for a year and I’ve always felt like he’s a guy who could go three days in a row,” Girardi said. “And he’s honest. He’s been honest with me about when he feels good and when he doesn’t feel good. . . . I’d like to need our closer three days in a row. That would be nice.’’
Still, he wasn’t ready to make a permanent call.
“Let’s just see where we are when [Robertson] gets back,” Girardi said. “I’ll cross that bridge when the time comes . . . Let’s just get him back where he’s comfortable. Let’s get him in a game before we start making an official decision.”
* Derek Jeter went 3-for-5 and tied Paul Waner for 15th on the all-time hit list with 3,152. Next on the list is George Brett at 3,154 . . . Brett Gardner underwent an MRI exam yesterday on his strained right elbow and although Girardi said the muscle had healed, the left fielder was still feeling “stiffness.” He will head to Tampa today for more treatment.
, but probably won’t start hitting off a tee until Monday.
Robertson will also go to Tampa and is scheduled to start playing catch today.