BALTIMORE — New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi wanted to give regular third baseman Chase Headley a rest on Monday night. So the skipper made the move many have wondered about — he turned to Alex Rodriguez.
Rodriguez made his first start of the season at third base in Monday’s 6-5 victory over Orioles. He went 0-for-4 at the plate but in the field, Rodriguez finished with two assists and didn’t hurt the Yankees.
His second assist was actually a very good play, coming in the third inning when he raced in to grab right fielder Steve Pearce’s slow roller and threw him out.
Girardi said before the game he wasn’t too worried because Rodriguez certainly played enough at third base — even if the last time officially was two seasons ago.
“I expect him to play the position like he knows how,” Girardi said. “Catch the balls that are hit to you. Get the outs for us. He’s got great hands, and he knows how to play the position.”
Girardi then put Headley in as a defensive replacement in the eighth inning.
There’s no question that Girardi and the Yankees needed to see how Rodriguez could handle himself at third base. If he’s not a defensive liability, it gives the Yankees more depth.