Nunez feels fortunate, could return Sunday

DETROIT -- Eduardo Nunez said that he had just one thought after watching a replay of the pitch that drilled him in the right biceps on Friday.

"I'm lucky," Nunez said. "I was thinking I broke my arm, seriously. I never feel so much pain before."

Nunez was hit by Tigers right-hander Doug Fister in the fifth inning of Detroit's 8-3 win over New York at Comerica Park. Manager Joe Girardi said that he could use Nunez to pinch-run on Saturday, but otherwise did not expect him to play.

Jayson Nix started at shortstop in place of Nunez, who said that he might be able to play on Sunday. Most baseball activities were out of the question for Nunez on Saturday, however.

"I don't think I can throw, but I will try to hit in the cage," Nunez said. "I don't know if I can. We'll see."

Girardi had said that he would use catcher Francisco Cervelli as an emergency infielder if needed, but Girardi said that Cervelli would focus on catching Saturday. Girardi suggested that he could try playing Brennan Boesch at first base if needed.