If Brett Gardner’s right knee responded to treatment and didn’t bother him hitting in the cage before Tuesday night’s game, there was a chance Aaron Boone could have used the outfielder as a pinch hitter, but he wasn’t needed in the Yankees’ 7-2 win over the Mariners at Yankee Stadium.
“We will see. I think it’s realistic,’’ Boone said of Gardner returning to the lineup Wednesday night after not playing since Saturday due to the inflamed hinge. “I actually believe he might be an option [Tuesday night].’’
Boone started Clint Frazier in left field Tuesday and he went 1-for-3.
“It’s better today,’’ Gardner said before the game. “I am going to hit and do some running. I am available tonight and hopefully back in the lineup [Wednesday]. I have never had an issue with my legs. Not being able to run affects both sides. At this point in the season you don’t want to make it worse.’’
After the Yankees’ 10th win in 13 games, Gardner remained encouraged he will make it back into the lineup for Wednesday’s game against Felix Hernandez.
“I feel good. I did a bunch of agility [drills] and hit in the cage,’’ Gardner said after Aaron Hicks, his replacement atop the lineup homered for the third straight game. “I am encouraged by the way it went and hope to play [Wednesday].’’
Tuesday night’s game took 2 hours, 28 minutes to complete and matched the Yankees’ shortest game of the season. The other one was June 8 against the Mets at Citi Field. … A.J. Cole pitched for the first time since May 28 and was perfect in the final two frames.
Giancarlo Stanton could use some improvement hitting against right-handers and in The Bronx.
Entering Tuesday night’s action Stanton was hitting .218 (43-for-197) with eight homers, 21 RBIs and a .685 OPS against right-handers. With a lefty pitching Stanton was batting .348 (24-for-69) with eight homers, 18 RBIs and a 1.173 OPS.
Stanton is hitting .214 (31-for-145) at home where he has eight homers and 21 RBIs compared to a .295 (38-for-129) average on the road, where he has nine homers, 20 RBIs and a .947 OPS.
Stanton went 1-for-4 and hit his 17th homer of the season.
