'Proactive' Girardi rests Martin, A-Rod

NEW YORK -- Alex Rodriguez and Russell Martin were both on the bench for Monday's series opener against the Indians, as Yankees manager Joe Girardi attempts to "stay proactive" in handling his roster.

Martin's stiff back is feeling better, and he would be available on Monday in an emergency, though Girardi would prefer to wait until Tuesday. Rodriguez had been out of the starting lineup just twice before Monday.

"I'm just trying to stay proactive," Girardi said. "As a manager, you've got to try and keep these guys healthy. They're not 25 anymore. We might want to view them as 25, but the reality is that they're not 25. I'm just trying to stay ahead of it."

Girardi also used Monday as an opportunity to give Curtis Granderson a half-day as a designated hitter. Granderson has started every game this season and, before Monday, had played all but two defensive innings in the field.

"We're entering 13 [games] in a row here, and I'm going to have to get guys some time off a little bit," Girardi said. "I'm just trying to make sure we keep all our guys healthy."