MINNEAPOLIS — Brian McCann’s left foot problem was serious enough for the catcher to be scratched from Saturday’s lineup after going through an optional batting practice prior to the Yankees’ 11-inning, 2-1 loss to the Twins at Target Field.
And manager Joe Girardi didn’t sound like he is going to play McCann Sunday, either.
After sitting out Friday, McCann told Girardi on Saturday his foot didn’t feel right. X-rays were negative, and Francisco Cervelli started for McCann.
“The X-rays came back good and that’s encouraging,” said Girardi, who added he could have used McCann if needed. “Obviously he may not play [Sunday]. It’s not what you want, but in the long term I don’t think it’s a big deal. But in the short term, he may be out a few days.’’
McCann felt discomfort getting out of the batters’ box Thursday night. He complained of soreness on Friday, and said, “When I push off, it bites.’’
Saturday’s batting practice session made the manager’s decision easier.
“He said he was feeling it,’’ Girardi said. “It was bothering him so I said, ‘Let’s sit down and make sure there’s nothing seriously wrong. The X-rays were negative, but we have to clear it up.’’
In Girardi’s original lineup Saturday, McCann was hitting third. Cervelli replaced McCann, hit eighth and was the only Yankee to have two hits. Cervelli also made the throwing error that allowed the winning run to score.
Cervelli for McCann wasn’t the only lineup change Girardi made. Originally, Jacoby Ellsbury was set to lead off because Girardi wanted to rest Brett Gardner, Derek Jeter was second and Brian Roberts sixth.
The revamped card had Jeter hitting first, Roberts second and Ellsbury third.
Even though McCann is hitting a disappointing .224, losing him to the disabled list would be another tough hit for the Yankees. McCann’s 10 homers are third on the club, his 37 RBIs are second to Mark Teixeira’s team-leading 42 and he had four hits in his previous 11 at-bats.