Bombers bits

• Gardner has been one of the few constants for the Yankees in a season plagued by injuries, and he provided the walk-off hits in each of the team's past two victories. On Monday, Girardi talked about how important he's been for New York this season.

"Gardy is fiery, and I think his personality comes out," Girardi said. "It's been great having him all year. We really missed him last year with what he's capable of doing. His personality has definitely come out this year. It's good."

• Yankees farmhand Melky Mesa was named the International League Batter of the Week this week. The Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre outfielder hit .429 with three home runs and 11 RBIs from Aug. 5-11.

• Injured Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira rang the Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Monday.