Gibson yet to decide on DH for Yanks series

PHOENIX -- Because the Yankees waited until Sunday afternoon to announce their starting rotation for the D-backs' upcoming three-game series in the Bronx, Arizona manager Kirk Gibson isn't sure who he'll use as the club's designated hitter for the Interleague set beginning Tuesday.

"We'll figure it out in the next day or so, we have to see who is in their rotation, then we'll make the decision," Gibson said. "We know who we have though. We have some veteran guys off the bench who can do it."

The Yankees will start right-hander Ivan Nova on Tuesday, left-hander CC Sabathia on Wednesday and righty Phil Hughes on Thursday.

One candidate for the job is Eric Hinske, who is the only player on the club's active roster who hasn't started a game so far this season. In making eight pinch-hit appearances entering Sunday, though, the veteran first baseman has collected three hits, including a game-winning home run, and driven in four runs.

"I prepare every day as if I'm in the lineup," Hinske said. "I've just tried to take professional at-bats each time I go up there."

Behind the red-hot Paul Goldschmidt on the depth chart, Hinske hasn't been bothered by the limited number of at-bats, but he is looking forward to getting in the lineup if the club calls on him to be its DH.

"I just want to win, you'll never hear anything out of me, I like my role," he said. "I know you can't take Goldy out, I get that."

Other options for the D-backs in New York include Eric Chavez and Alfredo Marte.