Bombers bits

• Kelly Johnson had played just three big league games at first base before this season, and he made his eighth appearance there on Saturday. Girardi has been pleased with Johnson's proficiency at the position.

"He's done a really, really good job, and that's not an easy position," Girardi said. "I think sometimes people think it's an easy position, but there's a lot of things to know when you start talking about bunt plays and cuts and relays, having him get off the base when you're holding a guy on. He's done a really good job."

• Yankees pitchers had struck out at least 12 batters in each of their last three games entering play on Saturday. That marks just the second time in franchise history they have done so, also doing it from May 17-19, 2002.

• On this date in 1993, Paul O'Neill made his Yankee Stadium debut by going 4-for-4 with a double, triple and two RBIs, leading the Yankees to a 4-1 win over the Royals.