Looking to provide an option, Nix works at first

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 05/04/2013 12:35 PM ET

NEW YORK -- Jayson Nix was not in the Yankees' starting lineup on Saturday, so he spent about a half-hour taking hot shots at first base, working with infield coach Mick Kelleher just in case he is needed at the position.

"You just never know," Nix said. "We've got a lot of guys down and you want to keep options available. Just something to try and stay ready."

Yankees manager Joe Girardi has said that with Kevin Youkilis and Mark Teixeira on the disabled list, he does not really have a right-handed option to play first base and will have to play Lyle Overbay for the majority of the team's upcoming games.

Nix has been playing third base regularly in Youkilis' absence, but the Yanks picked up a reserve third-base option this week by acquiring Chris Nelson from the Rockies. Nelson was in the lineup for his first Yankees start on Saturday against the Athletics.

Nix said that he took some ground balls at first base during Spring Training, but the last time he recalls playing first base in a game was the Area Code Games in high school, and so he had to borrow a first baseman's glove from Yankees coaching assistant Brett Weber on Saturday.

Nix said that he would talk to Teixeira and Youkilis about the nuances of first base, and so far, ironing out the footwork has been the most challenging part of adjusting to the position.

"That's the name of the game in playing the infield, period," Nix said. "Moving from short to third to second like I do, that's probably the biggest thing, the footwork. It's the same thing going over there."

Yanks easing catcher Romine into action

NEW YORK -- Yankees manager Joe Girardi has seemed reluctant to work rookie Austin Romine into the catching mix, and he said that his plan is to start veteran Chris Stewart behind the plate for all three games of the series against the Athletics.

Romine has started just once since he was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and had some communication issues working with Andy Pettitte in that April 29 loss to the Astros.

Girardi said that his plan is tentatively to work Romine back in when the Yankees begin a series with the Rockies on Tuesday at Coors Field.

"I could change my mind, but it's three days," Girardi said. "It's still early in the year. We had a day off Thursday and we have a day off Monday."

Romine has generally been regarded as one of the Yanks' best catching prospects, and when he made his big league debut in 2011, the Yankees boasted that he was already rated as a plus defensive catcher at the big league level.

But the Yanks played Romine sparingly this spring after he lost most of 2012 to a back injury, and that was thought to be in large part because both Stewart and Francisco Cervelli were out of Minor League options. Girardi has made it clear that his priority is defense behind the plate.

"Stewy's always been a guy that can handle a pitching staff," Girardi said. "That's what we've asked our catchers to do, is handle our pitching staff well, and he's familiar with these guys. I want Austin to get familiar with them so we can get him in the mix more, and that takes a little bit of time. But Stew's always been a very good defensive catcher."

Romine said after the April 29 game that he planned to talk with Pettitte about the finer points of the outing, in which Pettitte allowed seven runs and 10 hits in 4 1/3 innings.

"We've got to iron this out before next time," Romine said that night. "It's going to take a little while to get on the same page as him and a lot of these guys. I'd like to do it a little bit quicker."

Bombers bits

• Yankees right-hander David Robertson (left hamstring) is improving, but Girardi said that he still does not expect to use him in a game until Tuesday against the Rockies in Denver.

• Yankees right-hander Ivan Nova (right triceps strain) played catch on Saturday at Yankee Stadium. Nova is expected to travel to Tampa, Fla., after Sunday's game to continue his rehab.

• Teixeira, Alex Rodriguez and Youkilis are also among those expected to report to Tampa after the homestand, while Curtis Granderson started participating in extended spring games on Wednesday.

• On this date in 1929, Lou Gehrig hit three home runs, going 4-for-4 with 13 total bases and four RBIs in an 11-9 win over the White Sox.

• On this date in 1981, Yankees reliever Ron Davis struck out eight consecutive Angels to record a save in a 4-2 win in Anaheim, tying a then-American League record for consecutive strikeouts in a game. The Tigers' Doug Fister broke the record with nine last Sept. 27.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Yanks easing catcher Romine into action

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 05/04/2013 12:35 PM ET

NEW YORK -- Yankees manager Joe Girardi has seemed reluctant to work rookie Austin Romine into the catching mix, and he said that his plan is to start veteran Chris Stewart behind the plate for all three games of the series against the Athletics.

Romine has started just once since he was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and had some communication issues working with Andy Pettitte in that April 29 loss to the Astros.

Girardi said that his plan is tentatively to work Romine back in when the Yankees begin a series with the Rockies on Tuesday at Coors Field.

"I could change my mind, but it's three days," Girardi said. "It's still early in the year. We had a day off Thursday and we have a day off Monday."

Romine has generally been regarded as one of the Yanks' best catching prospects, and when he made his big league debut in 2011, the Yankees boasted that he was already rated as a plus defensive catcher at the big league level.

But the Yanks played Romine sparingly this spring after he lost most of 2012 to a back injury, and that was thought to be in large part because both Stewart and Francisco Cervelli were out of Minor League options. Girardi has made it clear that his priority is defense behind the plate.

"Stewy's always been a guy that can handle a pitching staff," Girardi said. "That's what we've asked our catchers to do, is handle our pitching staff well, and he's familiar with these guys. I want Austin to get familiar with them so we can get him in the mix more, and that takes a little bit of time. But Stew's always been a very good defensive catcher."

Romine said after the April 29 game that he planned to talk with Pettitte about the finer points of the outing, in which Pettitte allowed seven runs and 10 hits in 4 1/3 innings.

"We've got to iron this out before next time," Romine said that night. "It's going to take a little while to get on the same page as him and a lot of these guys. I'd like to do it a little bit quicker."

Looking to provide an option, Nix works at first

NEW YORK -- Jayson Nix was not in the Yankees' starting lineup on Saturday, so he spent about a half-hour taking hot shots at first base, working with infield coach Mick Kelleher just in case he is needed at the position.

"You just never know," Nix said. "We've got a lot of guys down and you want to keep options available. Just something to try and stay ready."

Yankees manager Joe Girardi has said that with Kevin Youkilis and Mark Teixeira on the disabled list, he does not really have a right-handed option to play first base and will have to play Lyle Overbay for the majority of the team's upcoming games.

Nix has been playing third base regularly in Youkilis' absence, but the Yanks picked up a reserve third-base option this week by acquiring Chris Nelson from the Rockies. Nelson was in the lineup for his first Yankees start on Saturday against the Athletics.

Nix said that he took some ground balls at first base during Spring Training, but the last time he recalls playing first base in a game was the Area Code Games in high school, and so he had to borrow a first baseman's glove from Yankees coaching assistant Brett Weber on Saturday.

Nix said that he would talk to Teixeira and Youkilis about the nuances of first base, and so far, ironing out the footwork has been the most challenging part of adjusting to the position.

"That's the name of the game in playing the infield, period," Nix said. "Moving from short to third to second like I do, that's probably the biggest thing, the footwork. It's the same thing going over there."

Bombers bits

• Yankees right-hander David Robertson (left hamstring) is improving, but Girardi said that he still does not expect to use him in a game until Tuesday against the Rockies in Denver.

• Yankees right-hander Ivan Nova (right triceps strain) played catch on Saturday at Yankee Stadium. Nova is expected to travel to Tampa, Fla., after Sunday's game to continue his rehab.

• Teixeira, Alex Rodriguez and Youkilis are also among those expected to report to Tampa after the homestand, while Curtis Granderson started participating in extended spring games on Wednesday.

• On this date in 1929, Lou Gehrig hit three home runs, going 4-for-4 with 13 total bases and four RBIs in an 11-9 win over the White Sox.

• On this date in 1981, Yankees reliever Ron Davis struck out eight consecutive Angels to record a save in a 4-2 win in Anaheim, tying a then-American League record for consecutive strikeouts in a game. The Tigers' Doug Fister broke the record with nine last Sept. 27.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Pettitte, Straily to meet in Bronx rubber match

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RANDOM DRAWINGS: Approximately thirty (30) minutes following the final out of each Postseason Game, five (5) potential winners will be selected by random drawing from among all eligible participants who claim valid Potential Winning Bingo Cards for that Postseason Game in accordance with these Official Rules (the "Drawing"). Subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with the terms of these Official Rules, the potential winners will be declared official winners of the Sweepstakes (each, a "Winner" and collectively, the "Winners"). Odds of winning a Prize will depend on the total number of Bingo Cards issued and the total number of valid Potential Winning Bingo Cards claimed for each applicable Postseason Game. Limit one (1) Prize per person, per family and per household.

PRIZES:  A maximum of two hundred fifteen (215) prizes (each, a "Prize" and collectively, the "Prizes") will be awarded (i.e. five (5) Prizes per each Postseason Game with a maximum of forty-three (43) Postseason Games), as follows:

For up to twenty-two (22) Postseason Games during the 2012 Wild Card Games and the 2012 Division Series, each Winner will receive one (1) Postseason.TV subscription for the remainder of the 2012 MLB Postseason. Approximate retail value ("ARV") of each such Prize: $4.99.

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Rivera amazes one year after knee injury

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 05/03/2013 6:34 PM ET

NEW YORK -- The calendar indicates a full year has passed since Mariano Rivera crumpled to a Kansas City warning track after stumbling in pursuit of a batting-practice fly ball, his right anterior cruciate ligament torn and his baseball future in serious doubt.

One day later, after a night of quiet reflection and soul-searching in his hotel room, Rivera hobbled into the visiting clubhouse of Kauffman Stadium and vowed, "I am coming back. Put it down. Write it down in big letters. I'm not going down like this."

Months of intensive, grueling rehabilitation followed, and as Rivera worked his knee back into the shape necessary to handle a big league pitching regimen, the future Hall of Famer acknowledged that there were moments of doubt in which he wondered if he would actually make it back.

But his surgically repaired knee passed every winter test, breezed through a Spring Training workload with no issues, and the 43-year-old all-time saves leader hasn't seemed to skip a beat as he started his final Major League season a perfect 11-for-11 in save opportunities.

"I said all along that it wasn't his arm, so I wasn't really concerned about the type of stuff that we would see from Mo," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "Maybe the most amazing thing about Mo is that he's still doing it at his age.

"But he's been consistent his whole career. He's had the same mentality his whole career. But to be doing it at his age is really incredible."

In a way, it is because Rivera fell while chasing Jayson Nix's outfield drive on the afternoon of May 3, 2012, that he has been able to enjoy a farewell tour throughout the big leagues. Rivera said this spring that he had decided '12 would be his final season, a fact he had dropped hints about but had not been ready to officially reveal at the time.

Rivera made sure no one had any doubts this spring, announcing his intention to call it a career in a March 9 news conference in Tampa, Fla., saying that his tank was nearly empty and he intended to fully exhaust those last few drops on the diamond this year.

"If I would have finished the season last year, I would have retired last year, definitely," Rivera said. "I didn't want to leave like that. I felt like I wanted to give everything and I still had something left. This year, I knew what I wanted to do."

Yanks bring up Claiborne to bolster 'pen

NEW YORK -- The Yankees purchased the contract of right-handed reliever Preston Claiborne on Friday from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and the rookie shouldn't be surprised if he is asked to get a few important outs quickly.

Because right-hander David Robertson is expected to be sidelined until Tuesday at Colorado with a sore left hamstring, the Yankees may not have much time to ease in Claiborne, a 25-year-old who is replacing the injured Joba Chamberlain on the active roster.

"We'll just have to mix and match a little bit more," Girardi said. "Usually when we bring Joba and Robby in, it's pretty strict. They're going to see whatever they're going to see. But we'll probably have to mix and match a little more until we get Robby back."

Claiborne had three saves in three chances at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he posted a 3.48 ERA in eight outings, allowing four earned runs and 14 hits in 10 1/3 innings while walking one and striking out 10.

In order to make room on the 40-man roster for Claiborne, the Yankees designated right-hander Cody Eppley for assignment.

Girardi said that Shawn Kelley could also see increased duty in the late innings, but he saw this spring that Claiborne was consistent with his stuff and didn't look overwhelmed, compiling an 0.84 ERA in 10 appearances.

As for Claiborne's scouting report, Girardi said that he features a swing-and-miss slider, a decent changeup and a fastball that gets up to 95 mph. Claiborne was thrilled to get word of the promotion from Triple-A manager Dave Miley, and he is hoping to make a quick impression.

"It's always a different animal coming from Triple-A and pitching against guys up here," Claiborne said. "Obviously I don't have the extended experience pitching at this level, but pitching in Spring Training and getting a little taste of what it's like and what veteran hitters are like, having that limited experience is definitely beneficial."

Nelson looking forward to opportunity with Yanks

NEW YORK -- Chris Nelson said that he is looking forward to a new opportunity after being acquired by the Yankees from the Rockies late on Wednesday evening.

"I was excited. I was sad to leave Colorado, but this is the next chapter of my life," Nelson said on Friday at Yankee Stadium.

Nelson, 27, was obtained in exchange for cash considerations or a player to be named.

He will be asked to provide the injury-depleted Yankees with some depth behind Jayson Nix at third base and Robinson Cano at second base. The right-handed hitting Nelson said that he is comfortable at both positions.

"He's going to play some third. He's played second as well in his career," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "I know he was drafted as a shortstop, but probably mostly third for him. We'll get him involved in the mix. I think we're going to see some left-handers next week, too."

A first-round Draft pick of the Rockies in 2004, Nelson batted .242 (16-for-66) with four RBIs in 21 games for Colorado before he was designated for assignment on April 28 so the Rockies could make room for prospect Nolan Arenado on the active roster.

"It was kind of a competition in Spring Training," Nelson said. "I won the job in Spring Training and kind of knew something was going to happen within the next couple of months. It happened a little earlier than I thought."

Bombers bits

• Robertson had an MRI on his left knee during Thursday's off-day and, while the right-hander is listed as day to day, Girardi said that he did not expect to use Robertson until Tuesday in Colorado.

• Mark Teixeira had a third day of tee-and-toss in the indoor batting cages at Yankee Stadium on Friday and is hoping to progress to on-field batting practice by the end of the weekend. Teixeira is expected to travel to Tampa after Sunday's game and is hopeful that he will be able to rejoin the big league roster by June 1.

• Cano made his Major League debut on this date in 2005 at Tampa Bay, going 0-for-3. Cano has played more active games as a Yankee (1,241) than the other 12 position players currently on New York's roster combined (1,074).

• Friday marked Girardi's 1,000th game as a Major League manager. He entered play holding a lifetime record of 574-425 (.575) in seven career managerial seasons, including his 78-84 season with the Marlins in 2006.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Robertson is spokesperson for Wounded Warriors

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 5/3/2013 5:59 P.M. ET

NEW YORK -- The Yankees announced on Friday that reliever David Robertson has assumed the role of team spokesperson for the Wounded Warrior Project, representing the organization in outreach efforts and participating in visits to Yankee Stadium.

"It's such a great cause. It's such a worthy thing to do," Robertson said. "These guys are out there on the front lines risking their lives.

"You can bring them hope, but the best thing is that you can spread the word. You can put the word out there that these guys are here and they need help getting eased back into their lives."

On Friday, the Yankees hosted approximately 25 members of the organization, all of whom were wounded while serving their country in the armed forces.

The Wounded Warriors took a private tour of Monument Park and the Yankees Museum while also spending time with Robertson at the ballpark.

"The Wounded Warrior Project has been close to our hearts for many years," said Debbie Tymon, the Yankees' senior vice president of marketing. "By continuing our relationship, we hope that the public further recognizes the magnitude of the sacrifices made by so many members of the armed forces.

"We owe it to these courageous men and women to extend our hands, hearts and resources to help them readjust to civilian life as quickly and thoroughly as possible."

Robertson said that he first was introduced to the cause by former Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon, and Robertson accompanied Damon on multiple visits to Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington.

"Some of them have terrible injuries, and it's important that you keep your mind open whenever you run into them and make sure to tell them thank you for the wonderful services they've done," Robertson said. "I think that's the biggest thing you can do."

Robertson is taking over the role of spokesperson for the Wounded Warrior Project from outfielder Nick Swisher, who had been active in the group's efforts during his time in New York.

The Yankees will continue their recognition of the Wounded Warrior Project on Sunday, when the New York Yankees Foundation will make a $100,000 donation to the cause. They will also recognize U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Rodjean Thorman and U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jay Lawrence for their service during a pregame on-field ceremony.

The mission of the non-profit and non-partisan Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org) is to honor and empower wounded servicemen and servicewomen. WWP's goals include raising awareness and enlisting the public in aiding the needs of injured service members. WWP also provides unique and direct programs and services for injured veterans.

"Wounded Warrior Project would like to thank David Robertson and the New York Yankees for their continued commitment to supporting our mission," said Al Giordano, deputy executive director of the Wounded Warrior Project.

"Taking the time to give back to our nation's injured servicemen and women not only speaks volumes about David's character, but of the Yankees organization as a whole. This ongoing support promises to provide memorable experiences for our alumni throughout the season."

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Yanks bring up Claiborne to bolster 'pen

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 05/03/2013 6:34 PM ET

NEW YORK -- The Yankees purchased the contract of right-handed reliever Preston Claiborne on Friday from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and the rookie shouldn't be surprised if he is asked to get a few important outs quickly.

Because right-hander David Robertson is expected to be sidelined until Tuesday at Colorado with a sore left hamstring, the Yankees may not have much time to ease in Claiborne, a 25-year-old who is replacing the injured Joba Chamberlain on the active roster.

"We'll just have to mix and match a little bit more," Girardi said. "Usually when we bring Joba and Robby in, it's pretty strict. They're going to see whatever they're going to see. But we'll probably have to mix and match a little more until we get Robby back."

Claiborne had three saves in three chances at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he posted a 3.48 ERA in eight outings, allowing four earned runs and 14 hits in 10 1/3 innings while walking one and striking out 10.

In order to make room on the 40-man roster for Claiborne, the Yankees designated right-hander Cody Eppley for assignment.

Girardi said that Shawn Kelley could also see increased duty in the late innings, but he saw this spring that Claiborne was consistent with his stuff and didn't look overwhelmed, compiling an 0.84 ERA in 10 appearances.

As for Claiborne's scouting report, Girardi said that he features a swing-and-miss slider, a decent changeup and a fastball that gets up to 95 mph. Claiborne was thrilled to get word of the promotion from Triple-A manager Dave Miley, and he is hoping to make a quick impression.

"It's always a different animal coming from Triple-A and pitching against guys up here," Claiborne said. "Obviously I don't have the extended experience pitching at this level, but pitching in Spring Training and getting a little taste of what it's like and what veteran hitters are like, having that limited experience is definitely beneficial."

Rivera amazes one year after knee injury

NEW YORK -- The calendar indicates a full year has passed since Mariano Rivera crumpled to a Kansas City warning track after stumbling in pursuit of a batting-practice fly ball, his right anterior cruciate ligament torn and his baseball future in serious doubt.

One day later, after a night of quiet reflection and soul-searching in his hotel room, Rivera hobbled into the visiting clubhouse of Kauffman Stadium and vowed, "I am coming back. Put it down. Write it down in big letters. I'm not going down like this."

Months of intensive, grueling rehabilitation followed, and as Rivera worked his knee back into the shape necessary to handle a big league pitching regimen, the future Hall of Famer acknowledged that there were moments of doubt in which he wondered if he would actually make it back.

But his surgically repaired knee passed every winter test, breezed through a Spring Training workload with no issues, and the 43-year-old all-time saves leader hasn't seemed to skip a beat as he started his final Major League season a perfect 11-for-11 in save opportunities.

"I said all along that it wasn't his arm, so I wasn't really concerned about the type of stuff that we would see from Mo," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "Maybe the most amazing thing about Mo is that he's still doing it at his age.

"But he's been consistent his whole career. He's had the same mentality his whole career. But to be doing it at his age is really incredible."

In a way, it is because Rivera fell while chasing Jayson Nix's outfield drive on the afternoon of May 3, 2012, that he has been able to enjoy a farewell tour throughout the big leagues. Rivera said this spring that he had decided '12 would be his final season, a fact he had dropped hints about but had not been ready to officially reveal at the time.

Rivera made sure no one had any doubts this spring, announcing his intention to call it a career in a March 9 news conference in Tampa, Fla., saying that his tank was nearly empty and he intended to fully exhaust those last few drops on the diamond this year.

"If I would have finished the season last year, I would have retired last year, definitely," Rivera said. "I didn't want to leave like that. I felt like I wanted to give everything and I still had something left. This year, I knew what I wanted to do."

Nelson looking forward to opportunity with Yanks

NEW YORK -- Chris Nelson said that he is looking forward to a new opportunity after being acquired by the Yankees from the Rockies late on Wednesday evening.

"I was excited. I was sad to leave Colorado, but this is the next chapter of my life," Nelson said on Friday at Yankee Stadium.

Nelson, 27, was obtained in exchange for cash considerations or a player to be named.

He will be asked to provide the injury-depleted Yankees with some depth behind Jayson Nix at third base and Robinson Cano at second base. The right-handed hitting Nelson said that he is comfortable at both positions.

"He's going to play some third. He's played second as well in his career," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "I know he was drafted as a shortstop, but probably mostly third for him. We'll get him involved in the mix. I think we're going to see some left-handers next week, too."

A first-round Draft pick of the Rockies in 2004, Nelson batted .242 (16-for-66) with four RBIs in 21 games for Colorado before he was designated for assignment on April 28 so the Rockies could make room for prospect Nolan Arenado on the active roster.

"It was kind of a competition in Spring Training," Nelson said. "I won the job in Spring Training and kind of knew something was going to happen within the next couple of months. It happened a little earlier than I thought."

Bombers bits

• Robertson had an MRI on his left knee during Thursday's off-day and, while the right-hander is listed as day to day, Girardi said that he did not expect to use Robertson until Tuesday in Colorado.

• Mark Teixeira had a third day of tee-and-toss in the indoor batting cages at Yankee Stadium on Friday and is hoping to progress to on-field batting practice by the end of the weekend. Teixeira is expected to travel to Tampa after Sunday's game and is hopeful that he will be able to rejoin the big league roster by June 1.

• Cano made his Major League debut on this date in 2005 at Tampa Bay, going 0-for-3. Cano has played more active games as a Yankee (1,241) than the other 12 position players currently on New York's roster combined (1,074).

• Friday marked Girardi's 1,000th game as a Major League manager. He entered play holding a lifetime record of 574-425 (.575) in seven career managerial seasons, including his 78-84 season with the Marlins in 2006.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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New Yanks doing admirable job of holding down fort

NEW YORK -- If age wasn't going to sink the Yankees this year, injuries were supposed to. At least, that was the narrative that surrounded the team coming into the season, the noise and storyline that the veteran roster was challenged to ignore and block out.

The Yankees' disabled list showcases a higher payroll than several Major League clubs, and no one has yet tried to fudge the birth certificates in the team's offices. But as the Yanks hit Thursday's off-day seven games above .500, they did so as a club that has beaten the odds and stunned the doubters -- for now.

"I think we've done a good job," designated hitter Travis Hafner said. "Our pitching has been outstanding. I think we've swung the bats pretty well, too. I think we feel good about April, and we're just looking to keep it going."

The Yankees were 16-10 in the season's first month, a mark that looks even better when you consider they lost four of their first five games. Newcomers like Hafner -- in his first season in pinstripes and planted into the heart of the batting order -- have been a big reason why.

Robinson Cano hit his team-leading eighth home run in Wednesday's win over the Astros, but he hasn't had to provide the thunder alone. Hafner, Vernon Wells, Lyle Overbay and Brennan Boesch have combined to hit 18 of the Yanks' American League-leading 38 homers while collecting 46 of their 110 RBIs.

While Hafner wasn't supposed to be replacing the likes of Mark Teixeira and Curtis Granderson in the meat of the order, he was at least always envisioned to be in the clubhouse, inked to a one-year deal as one of the "big hairy monsters" that general manager Brian Cashman talks about -- left-handed bats with patience and power. That describes Hafner's impact nicely.

"You just see that his approach is good," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "He's been great in that four-hole for us. With all the people that we've had out, he's really done a good job in our lineup."

But Wells, Overbay and Boesch did not begin the spring with the Yanks, all quite literally picked up as unwanted scraps from other teams -- the Angels, Red Sox and Tigers, respectively. Cashman called it his "Statue of Liberty play," accepting those huddled masses yearning to breathe free, and it has worked.

Ichiro Suzuki is hitting .407 (11-for-27) over his last seven games, as he plays his first full season in New York. Even the struggling Ben Francisco joined the party on Wednesday, collecting his first homer and RBI in a Yankees uniform after being limited to a few loud foul balls in April.

"They brought in really good dudes," Hafner said. "Just a lot of veteran guys and good character guys. I think we've kind of known each other over the years, and the clubhouse has been great. Everybody gets along well and it's been fun."

Overbay, who helped the Yanks win Wednesday's game with smart baserunning, may be finally getting settled after a jarring start to his season.

"They know how to play the game," Girardi said. "They're not going to get frazzled by situations. That's really important, because those situations are going to come up time and time again during the season."

Released by the Red Sox late this spring, Overbay drove the 2 1/2 hours from Fort Myers, Fla., to the Yankees' camp in Tampa, signing on for what essentially amounted to a tryout.

The turnaround was so quick and unexpected, his wife Sarah had to drive back to Fort Myers to collect Overbay's suit just so he could board the Yanks' charter flight for an exhibition in Washington.

"I think we all know our role," Overbay said. "It's just a matter of figuring out what each guy behind you or in front of you can do and what he's capable of doing. I think we're doing a pretty good job of that and trusting in the next guy, because if they're not going to throw you a strike, then you get on to the next guy."

Girardi has refused to say it publicly, but there has been a sense that if the Yankees can stay afloat until reinforcements arrive, they can still manage to hit September and October with championship aspirations.

Return dates for Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez are very much uncertain, and catcher Francisco Cervelli was moved to the 60-day disabled list on Wednesday when the team acquired infielder Chris Nelson.

But Granderson has moved into extended spring games as he returns from a fractured right forearm, Kevin Youkilis could return from a back injury in two weeks and Teixeira is seeing progress with the torn tendon sheath in his right wrist.

There is help on the way, and the Yanks are happy about that. But it also feels like the current group in the clubhouse wants to keep this roll going a bit longer.

"I'm pleased with the way these guys are playing," Girardi said. "They have done the job. They've done a very good job for us. It hasn't always been pretty, but our guys have come up with clutch hits when we've needed them. I think our pitchers have done a pretty good job. It took a couple guys a little while to get going, but they've seemed to find it. The offense has just been spread around."

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Oblique strain forces Joba to 15-day DL

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 5/2/2013 4:17 P.M. ET

Joba Chamberlain has become the latest Yankees player to join the team's crowded disabled list.

The right-handed reliever was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a mild right oblique strain, retroactive to Sunday, the team announced on Thursday.

Chamberlain is the 10th player on the Yankees' star-studded disabled list, and while general manager Brian Cashman said that the team is hopeful that Chamberlain will recover within two weeks, he added that he could not guarantee it.

"Joba is a pretty miraculous healer, more so than anybody I've seen," Cashman said. "He does get hurt, but when he does, he usually bounces back pretty quick. At the very least, we're going to take the safe route to make sure that we can put it behind us."

Chamberlain, 27, had no record and a 3.86 ERA in 10 appearances for New York this season, spanning 9 1/3 innings. He had permitted four earned runs and 10 hits, walking six and striking out seven.

Chamberlain last pitched on Saturday, when he recorded a save in a scoreless ninth inning against the Blue Jays, and felt discomfort while warming up in the bullpen on Tuesday.

Cashman said that Chamberlain was not available to pitch on Wednesday against the Astros, and tests taken on Thursday morning by team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad confirmed the strain.

Additionally on Thursday, right-hander David Robertson was seen by Ahmad after feeling discomfort behind his left knee following his appearance in Wednesday's game.

"He's got a little bit of crankiness there behind the knee where the hamstring attaches, so he's just day to day," Cashman said. "He's not a DL situation."

The Yankees did not immediately announce a corresponding roster move to replace Chamberlain on the active roster. Cashman mentioned Minor League pitchers Mark Montgomery, Preston Claiborne and Sam Demel among their options to promote for Friday's game.

"We're talking about a lot of different guys right now," Cashman said. "We haven't decided on what we're doing yet."

Chamberlain joins Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Curtis Granderson, Mark Teixeira, Ivan Nova, Michael Pineda, Cesar Cabral, Francisco Cervelli and Kevin Youkilis on the disabled list.

Asked how many more hits the Yankees can withstand, Cashman quipped, "I guess we're going to find out."

"We're going to keep plugging along," Cashman added. "This is a tough spot for Joba to have to take a time out for the next 14 days, but it's going to give somebody else an opportunity and somebody else a chance to find a way to help us win games.

"Somebody's bad news is somebody else's good news. Whoever draws that straw, hopefully he can come in here and continue the good times."

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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A-Rod cleared for baseball activities

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 5/2/2013 4:34 P.M. ET

NEW YORK -- Alex Rodriguez has been cleared to begin baseball activities, and the three-time American League MVP Award winner said he is "really excited" to join the star-studded assortment of rehabbing players at the Yankees' Florida training complex next week.

General manager Brian Cashman said that Rodriguez has resumed "full-bore running" and is scheduled to travel Monday to Tampa, Fla., where the team is outlining the next phases of his rehab protocol.

Cashman said that the Yankees' expectation is that Rodriguez will be able to rejoin the big league team sometime after the All-Star break as he recovers from left hip surgery, which was performed by Dr. Bryan Kelly in New York back in January.

"Every conversation we've had with the physical therapist is that he's exactly where he needs to be," Cashman said on Thursday. "He's on time, he's working hard. I've never heard anything about he's ahead of schedule or ahead of time."

Rodriguez announced the development on his official Facebook page, posting a photo caption that read, "Just met with my surgeon Dr. Kelly in South Florida and got cleared to move to baseball activities in Tampa...really excited to be getting closer to being back on the field."

With Rodriguez's expected arrival, the Yanks will be focusing a great deal of attention on their spring home, as outfielder Curtis Granderson has moved into extended spring games in his recovery from a fractured right forearm and could be promoted to the big league club within two weeks.

Cashman said that first baseman Mark Teixeira is set to report to Tampa at the end of the club's current homestand, having successfully tested the partially torn tendon sheath in his right wrist by taking indoor batting practice on Wednesday at Yankee Stadium.

Teixeira has hoped to return to the big leagues in May, but manager Joe Girardi hinted this week that June could be more likely.

"We're getting ready to hit the extended spring program with some championship-caliber rings here," Cashman said.

In other updates, Cashman reported that right-hander Michael Pineda (labrum surgery) was sitting at 93 mph and touched 95 mph with his fastball during an extended spring outing on Thursday.

Somewhat further behind is Yankees captain Derek Jeter, who is also shooting to join the club after the All-Star break following a setback with his surgically repaired left ankle.

Cashman said that Jeter is in a removable boot and has been able to ride a stationary bicycle as well as swimming exercises, laser therapy and hydro therapy.

"There's a number of different exercises [Jeter] can do," Cashman said. "He can take that boot off and do some things. Although he's in a boot anywhere from four to six to eight weeks depending on the healing process, how well it's going, he can go back and do some of the exercise and things necessary to keep other aspects of the ankle strong. But that's all he's doing."

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Grandy plays in spring game; Teixeira takes BP

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 5/1/2013 6:59 P.M. ET

NEW YORK -- Curtis Granderson had two at-bats in an extended spring game on Wednesday, according to Yankees manager Joe Girardi, and Mark Teixeira also appears to be making progress as he rehabs an injury.

One day after Girardi speculated that Teixeira may not be able to return until June, Teixeira tweeted that he took batting practice in the cages at Yankee Stadium, a good sign considering he had been limited to dry swings since April 17.

"Felt good hitting balls today, I didn't make one out in the cage," Teixeira said on Twitter.

Girardi said that Granderson's activity on the field in Tampa, Fla., should start the clock for his return, and it is possible that Granderson could be with the Yankees within two to three weeks.

Granderson has said that he would need approximately 50 to 70 at-bats to be big league ready.

"That's a good sign," Girardi said. "We know what Grandy's done since he's been here and the power numbers that he's put up."

Youkilis feels better after receiving epidural

NEW YORK -- Yankees infielder Kevin Youkilis said that his sore lower back is feeling better after receiving an epidural injection, and he expects to be able to rejoin the active roster when eligible on May 13.

"Once the medicine kicks in and takes that down, it's going to be good to go," Youkilis said. "I'm actually pretty happy about it seeing that there wasn't anything crazy."

The Yankees said that Youkilis was diagnosed with a lumbar spine sprain, and Youkilis more specifically said that he has been dealing with a bulging disk and inflammation.

The 34-year-old Youkilis said that the injury is similar to the back issues that forced him to miss 14 games in 2011 and another 22 games last season. He said that he should be able to resume baseball activities within a week to 10 days.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said on Tuesday that it had been "a mistake by everyone involved" to permit Youkilis to play on Saturday against the Blue Jays after he sat out the previous six games.

Youkilis said that he probably would have needed the epidural injection eventually anyway, but accepted his share of the responsibility for the situation.

"I think I'm more to blame than others because I should have said I wasn't 100 percent," Youkilis said. "That's probably my mistake. But with the epidural, it's probably going to take seven days -- and if I didn't go on the DL, it would have been 10, 11 days anyway.

"We need guys here to play. Especially going out to Colorado [next Tuesday], being in a National League game and stuff like that. It was the right move. It's going to be good to get it healthy and get it right."

Nunez sees results at plate after stance tweak

NEW YORK -- Yankees shortstop Eduardo Nunez was confronted with the video evidence, proving his batting stance had changed too much. He was standing too tall, too upright, and it was making it more difficult for him to hit to all fields.

"My hitting coach, Kevin Long, showed me the video of where I was hitting last year and this year," Nunez said. "I was surprised. I didn't even know that I did that. We started working on that."

Back in his slight crouch and jumping less at pitches, Nunez started to see some results in Tuesday's 7-4 win over the Astros, ripping two doubles and a single in four at-bats.

He had collected just three hits total in 19 at-bats over his previous six games, but if the Yankees are honest about their expectations, they considered Nunez's defense at shortstop much more important than his contributions at the plate.

The fact that Nunez is beginning to stir offensively is, to manager Joe Girardi, a bonus.

"It would be great, because he's done a wonderful job defensively the first month for us. Just great," Girardi said. "Offensively, we really believe this kid is going to hit. We think he can hit, so to get him going with the speed that he has, it creates problems for the defense, the pitchers. It would help us a lot."

Nunez said that he feels much more comfortable at shortstop, having worked consistently with infield coach Mick Kelleher, and it has benefited him to be able to count on seeing his name in the lineup at just one position.

"For sure," Nunez said. "It's different when you don't know where you have to play -- third base, left field. You just work at one position. Take the same ground balls, the same direction, every day. Now I feel a lot more comfortable."

Nunez said that he believes he can continue to improve while he holds the position in Derek Jeter's absence.

"I know he's coming back," Nunez said of Jeter. "I'm trying to do my best and do what I can do to help the team to win before he comes back."

Bombers bits

• Brett Gardner received a day off on Wednesday, as Girardi said he wanted to spread around the days off against left-handed pitching. Girardi said that Ichiro Suzuki has been swinging a hot bat (11-for-27 over his last seven games), which also factored into his start on Wednesday against lefty Erik Bedard.

• Chien-Ming Wang turned in another solid outing for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday, holding the Charlotte Knights to a run on six hits over seven innings. Girardi said he is not receiving detailed reports just yet on Wang, who has a 0.95 ERA in 19 innings, but will "slowly investigate how he's doing."

• Girardi said that Ronnier Mustelier, who was in competition this spring for a roster spot with the big league club, has been promoted to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and is expected to play there on Thursday.

• On this date in 1920, Babe Ruth hit his first homer as a Yankee, a solo shot off Herb Pennock of the Red Sox at the Polo Grounds. On this date in 1996, Gerald Williams tied a Yankees franchise record by stroking six hits in a 15-inning, 11-6 win at Baltimore.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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