Russell Martin is out of the Yankees starting lineup for a third straight game in Friday’s series opener against the Indians.
Francisco Cervelli catches again.
Martin’s back was still hurting when he woke up Thursday, so he went for an MRI exam that revealed no structural damage.
“He’s got stiffness. He’s just kind of locked up. He’s better today,” Joe Girardi said Friday. “He texted me today and said he’s better. We’re going in the right direction. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe Sunday. I’m hoping by this weekend we can play him.”
Martin said the back felt a little better before Thursday’s final game with the Red Sox. The Yankees training staff told Martin they believe he has a slight strain.
Girardi said the team is not considering putting Martin on the disabled list, and that Jorge Posada would be able to play catcher if needed.
“I still think we’re OK for a while because we do have Jorge in case of an emergency,” the manager said.
Other than treatment, the only thing Martin can do is wait.
“Right now, I’m just taking it day to day and see what happens,” Martin said Thursday. “I really don’t know. Maybe I wake up [Friday] and feel great. If I feel great [Friday] I don’t see why I couldn’t play.”
Friday’s Yankees lineup:
Jeter SS
Granderson CF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Posada DH
Gardner LF
Cervelli C
Nova P
