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Girardi: Rest hopefully recharges Roberts

ARLINGTON -- Brian Roberts has played in 91 games this season, marking his highest total since 2009, and Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that the veteran second baseman may be wearing down as a result.

"I think that could possibly be going on," Girardi said. "He's been beat up pretty good this year, physically. He's answered the bell every day that we've called upon him, and he's played hard for us."

Roberts entered play Tuesday with two hits in his last 17 at-bats, and he has reported some aches and pains, according to Girardi, who said that he plans to give Roberts a couple of days off to see if he can recharge leading into the weekend series against the Red Sox.

"He's dealing with soreness that players have," Girardi said. "Legs get beat up, you hit balls off your feet, shins. It's all part of it."

Roberts, 36, has posted a split line of .237/.300/.360 with five homers and 21 RBIs in his first season with the Yankees, having signed a one-year, $2 million contract in January.

Staying in the lineup has financial advantages for Roberts, who has 348 plate appearances and is two shy of a $250,000 bonus. Roberts has already collected $350,000 in incentives, tied to reaching 250 and 300 plate appearances.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat.
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