Bombers bits

• With the Yankees playing their final three games of the season, Girardi wants to use the series in Houston as a chance to watch some of the team's younger players. He said that Murphy will be behind the plate for two of the three games, and plans to keep working in the lesser-used players.

"It's kind of a reward for them. They're here every day working and trying to get better," Girardi said.

• The Yankees are leaning toward using left-hander David Huff as the starter for Sunday's season finale, but that decision is not yet locked in and could depend on how Friday's and Saturday's games go.

• On this date in 1951, Allie Reynolds pitched his second no-hitter of the season, defeating the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Reynolds had previously no-hit the Indians at Municipal Stadium on July 12.