Veteran Bailey, young relievers getting chance

TORONTO -- The ripple effect of reinstating Adam Warren to the rotation has forced the Yankees to take a serious look at some of their lesser-known relievers, and thus far, they have been pleased by most of what they have seen.

Manager Joe Girardi used five relievers in back of Warren's brief start in Monday's 4-2 loss to the Blue Jays, with James Pazos, Caleb Cotham and Andrew Bailey impressing in particular. It should not be a surprise to see the Yanks continue to call on some of those names down the stretch.

"We got a tremendous performance out of Bailey last night, and got a really good performance out of Cotham," Girardi said. "Pazos has been throwing it really good. We're going to use those guys."

Of that group, Bailey seems the likeliest to elevate in the pecking order. The 31-year-old veteran was a two-time All-Star with the Athletics (2009-10) and logged 89 saves before coming back from a career-threatening right shoulder injury.

Bailey permitted a sacrifice fly to Russell Martin in the eighth inning, but the righty retired six of the seven hitters he faced in his fifth appearance of the season. Girardi has also applauded the work done by the 24-year-old rookie Pazos, who has not permitted a run in his first eight big league appearances.

Video: TB@NYY: Pazos gets first career K in MLB debut

"We saw him a little bit in Spring Training; not a lot," Girardi said. "I knew Pazos had had a good year, but you're never sure how a guy is going to come up here and how he is going to adapt to the role. In the month of September, his role becomes tougher, because it's harder to match up just because of all the pinch-hitters. But he's done a really good job."

Worth noting

Alex Rodriguez was in the Yankees' lineup on Tuesday, reporting no issues after fouling a ball off his left ankle in Monday's loss. Rodriguez crumpled to the ground and was seen on the field by Girardi and head athletic trainer Steve Donohue, but he remained in the game.

Video: NYY@TOR: A-Rod fouls ball off ankle and goes down

Third baseman Chase Headley committed his team-leading 22nd error on a throw in Monday's loss. It is by far a career high for Headley, whose next highest total was his 13 errors with the Padres in 2010.

"I think it becomes frustrating for players," Girardi said. "You think about it a little bit. Chase is strong enough inside that he goes out and plays the game every day, and he's handled it well."