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NEW YORK -- Robinson Cano was held out of the Yankees' starting lineup for a second consecutive game on Sunday, still protecting a bruised and swollen left hand that has impacted his hitting.
"I'm going to be a cheerleader," a smiling Cano said before the game.
Manager Joe Girardi put Cano in for defense in the top of the eighth inning, hoping the second baseman's spot in the order would not come up. But when it did in the bottom of the frame, Cano came through with a two-run single, and the Yankees held on for a 14-9 win.
Before the game, Cano received more treatment for the injury, which he believes traces back to being busted inside with a cutter by Boston's Jon Lester one week ago at Fenway Park. Cano said the pain affects him most while batting and is located on the meaty part of the palm.
With his single Sunday, Cano is batting .355 (22-for-62) in 14 games since the All-Star break, but is 4-for-23 in the six games since he suffered the injury. The tentative plan was for Cano to rest all day Sunday and then take batting practice before Monday night's game at Texas.
"We're going to give him one more day," Girardi said before the game. "Sometimes you have to weigh the benefits. You don't necessarily want to leave him out of the lineup ever, but if it gets him back to being productive like he was before, it's worth it."
Cano was wearing a hefty heat pack on his left hand before Sunday's game, but said that he does not believe the injury will affect his production going forward. Wilson Betemit started for a second consecutive game at second base for the Yankees after going 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in Saturday's 8-2 victory over the Angels.
"Robbie obviously is an outstanding player, but Wilson did a nice job yesterday," Girardi said. "By having him wait all the way to tomorrow night, he'll feel really good."
"I'm going to be a cheerleader," a smiling Cano said before the game.
Manager Joe Girardi put Cano in for defense in the top of the eighth inning, hoping the second baseman's spot in the order would not come up. But when it did in the bottom of the frame, Cano came through with a two-run single, and the Yankees held on for a 14-9 win.
Before the game, Cano received more treatment for the injury, which he believes traces back to being busted inside with a cutter by Boston's Jon Lester one week ago at Fenway Park. Cano said the pain affects him most while batting and is located on the meaty part of the palm.
With his single Sunday, Cano is batting .355 (22-for-62) in 14 games since the All-Star break, but is 4-for-23 in the six games since he suffered the injury. The tentative plan was for Cano to rest all day Sunday and then take batting practice before Monday night's game at Texas.
"We're going to give him one more day," Girardi said before the game. "Sometimes you have to weigh the benefits. You don't necessarily want to leave him out of the lineup ever, but if it gets him back to being productive like he was before, it's worth it."
Cano was wearing a hefty heat pack on his left hand before Sunday's game, but said that he does not believe the injury will affect his production going forward. Wilson Betemit started for a second consecutive game at second base for the Yankees after going 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in Saturday's 8-2 victory over the Angels.
"Robbie obviously is an outstanding player, but Wilson did a nice job yesterday," Girardi said. "By having him wait all the way to tomorrow night, he'll feel really good."
