Alex Rodriguez was not in the starting lineup yesterday against the White Sox because of pain behind his right knee.
Rodriguez felt an ache behind the knee while running the bases Saturday and was run for by Ramiro Pena in the ninth inning. He discussed the situation with manager Joe Girardi and, though Rodriguez believed he was capable of being the designated hitter in the series finale yesterday against the White Sox, the decision was to not start him.
General manager Brian Cashman said that there are no structural problems and that the pain was probably muscle- or cramp-related. The problem is not considered serious and Girardi said Rodriguez “will be in the lineup” tonight against the Orioles.
“We think it is more nothing than something,” Cashman said. “It is not something that is a big worry for me at this moment.”
However, both before and after the Yankees’ 12-3 victory over the White Sox, Girardi refused to be specific about Rodriguez’s problem. Before the game, Girardi said Rodriguez “needed a day” off. Afterward, the manager said, “He is not injured. He is a little bit stiff.”
Rodriguez never made himself available to the media yesterday.
Rodriguez, a year-plus removed from right hip surgery, had started all 23 games before yesterday, including one as the DH.