BALTIMORE — As the Yankees move into the All-Star break, it’s easy to judge what type of year David Robertson is having and it’s not all about numbers.
Having converted 23 of 25 save chances, Robertson hasn’t had to hear all-time saves leader Mariano Rivera’s name invoked.
“I don’t know how you can expect him to do better than he has done,’’ Joe Girardi said of Robertson, who as Rivera’s replacement was a large question coming out of spring training. “Going into it there were going to be whispers whenever he blew a save or had a bad day. I think he has handled that great. I don’t know how you can have a much better first half.’’
Robertson’s second and most recent blown save was on June 1 against the Twins, when he gave up two hits and five runs in two-thirds of an inning. He is 11-for-11 in save chances since then.
However, Robertson’s 23 saves weren’t enough for him to be selected to the AL All-Star squad for Tuesday night’s game at Target Field in Minneapolis.
“I think he is well worthy, but there are always going to be people who are left off,’’ Girardi said.
Masahiro Tanaka will receive a platelet-rich plasma injection Monday as part of his rehab program for a small tear in the right ulnar collateral ligament.
The treatment takes a portion of the patient’s own blood having a platelet concentration above baseline to help in the healing of injured ligaments or other injuries.
After the injection, Tanaka can begin an exercise program designed to strengthen his elbow and shoulder.
Since three top orthopedic surgeons recommended rehab instead of Tommy John surgery because the tear is less than 10 percent of the ligament, the Yankees are hoping to have their ace back in six weeks.
Jacoby Ellsbury was the designated hitter Sunday as the Yankees lost, 3-1, to the Orioles in a game called by rain in the bottom of the fifth inning. Girardi made him the DH because he believed the center fielder’s body needed a break.
“Physically he needs it. He probably could have used it [Saturday],’’ Girardi said of Ellsbury, who was the designated hitter for the second time this season. “He has played every day and he is just beat up. Is it anything serious? No. He is just beat up.’’
Since the Yankees had optioned outfielder Zoilo Almonte to the minor leagues to make room for right-hander Bryan Mitchell for Sunday night’s game, Girardi started Kelly Johnson in left field against the Orioles. It was Johnson’s first start in the outfield. Ellsbury and Johnson each went 0-for-2.
Girardi expects to have Carlos Beltran back for Friday night’s game against the Reds at Yankee Stadium.
“He did some exercises [Saturday] and had no ill effects,’’ Girardi said of the DH, who is on the seven-day concussion disabled list. “He feels much better.’’
Bringing Mitchell up from Double-A Trenton to the big leagues was an insurance policy against having to overuse Dellin Betances and Adam Warren.
“I felt we needed to be protected on the pitching side,’’ Girardi said. “Dellin has been worked hard and Warren has been worked hard.’’
Girardi expects Michael Pineda back in the rotation at some point, but didn’t put a date on it.
“I think he will be back,’’ Girardi said of the right-hander who has been out since April due to suspension and a teres major muscle injury in his upper back.
David Phelps, Brandon McCarthy and Hiroki Kuroda will start the three games against the Reds next weekend when play resumes after the All-Star break.