Facing southpaw, Gardner held out of lineup

NEW YORK -- With the Yankees facing Red Sox southpaw Jon Lester, left-handed-hitting outfielder Brett Gardner was out of the starting lineup.

Gardner had started 12 consecutive games prior to Sunday and hasn't had a day off since Aug. 24 against the Rays.

Manager Joe Girardi said he liked the way some of the Yankees' other left-handed hitters matched up against Lester. Center fielder Curtis Granderson is a lifetime .281 hitter against Lester, while Gardner is just 2-for-11 against him in his career.

Girardi said he told Gardner to "be ready at any point," to enter Sunday's game. Gardner pinch-hit in the ninth inning, striking out against Brandon Workman.