Yankees manager Joe Girardi says he is going to "do something different" in his use of… https://t.co/jcznfWw6Ed pic.twitter.com/h47CK9izIF
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) June 27, 2016
Alex Rodriguez was left out of the New York Yankees lineup for a second consecutive today, bringing about a barrage of questions for skipper Joe Girardi.
Alex Rodriguez comes into Monday night’s game with a .223/.264/.398 slash. For most players, that earns them a permanent spot on the bench. For A-Rod, sheer track record holds up.
However, track record may not carry him for long. Left out of the lineup yet again with the team facing a right-hander, Joe Girardi did not seem to completely rule out the possibility of a permanent DH platoon in his pregame presser.
Girardi just fielded more than 20 questions in his press conference. All but one was on ARod benching. The other was about CC's ankle.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) June 27, 2016
He told reporters that it was a “tough decision” to leave A-Rod on the bench. That lone remark is an indicator that this is no day off for Rodriguez, it is a prime indication of how the Yankees view him at this stage of his career.
ARod said "I'm a little surprised" not to be in the lineup today, a second straight game
— Erik Boland (@eboland11) June 27, 2016
Girardi did say that the 40-year-old slugger will be in there tomorrow against a left-hander while later dodging that this is a permanent platoon.
Girardi isn't calling this platoon, admits he has to think about ARod's place in lineup & matchup rather than automatically writing him in.
— Sweeny Murti (@YankeesWFAN) June 27, 2016
With that said, Carlos Beltran has driven in 19 runs and launched six round-trippers in 19 games as the club’s designated hitter. This is strictly a “pick it up” sign delivered to A-Rod, who may lose substantial at-bats based on what is best for the team.
ARod: "You haven’t heard the last of me. And I’m looking forward to, when my number’s called, to come back and be very productive."
— Erik Boland (@eboland11) June 27, 2016
