Girardi close to decision on fifth starter

PANAMA CITY, Panama -- It is possible that the Yankees will decide on their fifth starter by the end of this week, according to manager Joe Girardi.

Michael Pineda is believed to be a front-runner, but Girardi and his coaches will also have to evaluate solid performances from David Phelps, Adam Warren and Vidal Nuno.

"It's going to make my job really difficult," Girardi said.

Girardi said that until the Yankees iron out the rotation situation, they will have question marks in their bullpen. Girardi mentioned Fred Lewis, Cesar Cabral and Nuno as players who have put up good cases for bullpen jobs, noting that Nuno could be a swingman, similar to Ramiro Mendoza's old role.

"If you're in uniform, you're in the mix," he said.