Girardi isn't worried about Wells' recent struggles

NEW YORK -- When the first moth of the season came to an end, the Yankees' trade for Vernon Wells looked like a steal. The veteran outfielder was batting .300 with six home runs and 13 RBIs at the end of April, proving to be an integral piece for an injury-depleted team.

As the season has worn on, Wells' bat has cooled off. His average has dropped from .300 to .253 over the past month, and he's currently mired in a 3-for-34 slump at the plate.

Manager Joe Girardi isn't worried about Wells' struggles at the plate, though.

"He'll come out of it. I'm not concerned about that," Girardi said after Saturday's game. "He swung the bat pretty good last night, but I think he's going to come out of it."

Wells was in the lineup on Sunday night, playing left field and batting fifth against Red Sox starter Clay Buchholz. Wells is 7-for-29 in his career against Buchholz, and he's batting .230 against right-handed pitchers this year.

"I don't remember the bad stuff. You learn from it and move on," Wells said. "That's in the past, and tomorrow is a new day, so you go out, continue battling and do whatever you can to help your team win."

Part of the reason for his struggles could be fatigue. The 34-year-old has already played in 52 games this season after playing in just 77 over a full season with the Angels last year. He's batting .253 with 10 home runs and 24 RBIs on the season.

When asked if he still thinks he's an everyday player, Wells wasted little time in giving his answer.

"Oh yeah," Wells said. "I wouldn't have it any other way."