MLB

A-ROD LEAVES ABREU HANGING

Because every move he makes is under a huge spotlight, Alex Rodriguez was asked last night why he doesn’t shake hands, exchange fist knuckles or acknowledge Bobby Abreu when Abreu homers in front of him.

As Abreu approaches the plate Rodriguez is off to the left side going through his preparation to hit, a program that includes a violent practice swing.

“I have always done that because I don’t like celebrating on the field,” Rodriguez said before last night’s 7-5 loss to the Red Sox in which he went 1-for-4 and 0-for-1 in the clutch to lower his batting average to .067 (1-for-15) with runners in scoring position. “When the hitter in front of me strikes out, I don’t go over and pat him on the shoulder.”

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Because Jonathan Albaladejo threw three innings and 48 pitches last night, it’s likely the Yankees will recall a reliever from Triple-A for tonight’s game. Among the candidates are Jose Veras, Darrell Rasner and Scott Patterson.

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The only thing Jorge Posada is more tired of than having a shoulder that won’t allow him to catch is talking about it.

“We are pushing for Saturday [in Baltimore]. Ask me about it Saturday,” Posada said before getting one hit in four at-bats last night as the DH. “I am really tired of it because it’s the same old [stuff].”

Posada hasn’t started behind the plate since April 8 in Kansas City.

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If Joba Chamberlain needs more time to be with his father, Harlan, the Yankees can apply for extended days on the bereavement list. The first stint lasts seven days. Since Monday was the first day Chamberlain went on the list, Sunday is the final day.

“His dad continues to do better,” Girardi said of Harlan, who collapsed Sunday in Lincoln, Neb., and has undergone tests to find out why it happened.

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RHP Phil Hughes (0-2; 9.00 ERA) opens a three-game series against the Orioles tonight in Baltimore. RHP Daniel Cabrera (0-0; 5.94) goes for the hosts.