Bombers bits

• Manager Joe Girardi started Andruw Jones for the 10th time this month despite the outfielder's persisting slump since the All-Star break. After hitting .244 (31-for-127) with 11 home runs and 22 RBIs in 49 games prior to the unofficial midway point in the season, Jones hit .137 (14-for-102) with two homers and 10 RBIs in 41 games since. Girardi would not say Jones is in danger of losing a spot on New York's postseason roster, insisting he is only concerned about making the postseason first.

• The Yankees continue to delay activating outfielder Brett Gardner for pinch-hitting duties, and Girardi said he cannot "get into all the details" on why, although he said it is not because of injury concerns with Gardner.