Options aplenty allow Girardi to rest players
Yankees' Headley, Hicks get breather after being hit by pitches
CINCINNATI -- Both Yankees third baseman Chase Headley and outfielder Aaron Hicks were out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Reds after being hit by pitches in Monday's 10-4 win in the opener, but manager Joe Girardi has the luxury of versatile options to take their place.
Ronald Torreyes started at third Tuesday after starting at second Monday, and seemingly does something positive every time he plays. The 24-year-old has made 22 starts -- 18 at shortstop, one at second base and three at third base -- and entered hitting .316 with a home run and 14 RBIs.
"Nothing he does surprises me," Girardi said.
Three Yankees were hit by pitches in Monday's seventh inning by Reds right-hander Drew Storen. Headley took the worst of them, getting plunked on the knee. Hicks was hit on the foot.
"[Headley] felt better than he expected," Girardi said. "I told him, 'Let's not do anything until we know we're playing [with rain falling in Cincinnati all afternoon Tuesday]' ... test and find out if you're available.
"I told him Sunday night that he was off today. So he was off no matter what. It just happened to work out. I just needed to know if he's available later on."
Hicks was also taking a breather, and appeared no worse for wear.
"He's got some bruising on his foot," Girardi said. "He's a little sore, too. I think he's available, too. He played every day on the trip. He played all 18 innings of the 18-inning game [against the Cubs at Wrigley Field on Sunday night]."
Girardi will continue to shuffle his outfielders. Brett Gardner, Jacoby Ellsbury and Aaron Judge started in left, center and right field, respectively, Tuesday.
"It's just kind of worked out," Girardi said. "Hicks continues to shine. Everyone's swinging the bat. It's a really good problem to have. I'm sure sometimes guys don't want to sit down. But I really think over the long haul they'll be fresh."