Bombers bits

• Yankees left-hander Boone Logan said that he tried to play catch on Thursday, testing his inflamed left elbow, but it did not go well and he shut down the session after about five tosses. Logan has not pitched since last Friday, and his absence prompted the Yankees to sign free-agent reliever Mike Zagurski this week.

• Alex Rodriguez exchanged text messages with Girardi on Thursday. According to Girardi, Rodriguez said that his tight left hamstring felt "better." Since Rodriguez did not say it felt "great," Girardi said he decided to use Rodriguez as the designated hitter for a second straight day.

• On this date in 1996, Bernie Williams homered from both sides of the plate and drove in eight runs as the Yankees defeated the Tigers, 12-3, at Tiger Stadium.