PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Dellin Betances' subpar spring doesn't have Yankees manager Joe Girardi delaying a decision as to who will replace David Robertson in the closer's role.
"That is a decision that will probably be talked about a lot next week,'' Girardi said. "It's not on the forefront of what we are trying to do and trying to put together. In a perfect world you would have seventh-, eighth- and ninth-inning guys. In today's world, and if you don't, we will make it work. I just want to make sure they know when they are going to pitch. If you don't name a closer you have a lot of flexibility. But you have to weigh that against having roles.''
Betances has made six appearances, has allowed seven hits in 5 ¹/₃ innings and sports an ERA of 6.75.
Girardi said it was "possible'' he will announce his Opening Day starter Friday. Unless Masahiro Tanaka gets hurt between now and April 6, he will draw the assignment against the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. CC Sabathia has started the last six Yankees openers.
Austin Romine was slated to catch Adam Warren against the Rays Thursday, but when he arrived at George M. Steinbrenner Field for the bus ride, he had a stomach virus and was sent home. John Ryan Murphy caught Warren instead.
Girardi said the competition to be Brian McCann's backup will "come down to the last couple of days."
Jose Pirela (concussion) rode an exercise bike Wednesday and was fine, but when he repeated the exercise Thursday, he got dizzy.
"He will see a neurologist again," Girardi said. "We will back off a little bit."
Girardi said he shares general manager Brian Cashman's belief that Alex Rodriguez has done enough with his bat to be considered the Yankees' full-time designated hitter.
Rodriguez is hitting .290 (9-for-31) with a .389 on-base percentage and two homers.
"I have said all along that he has swung the bat really well," Girardi said. "Would it be helpful if we could put him in the field every once in a while? Absolutely, to give the guys a day off."
Girardi said he will use Rodriguez at first base, a position at which he never has played, before the exhibition season ends.
Jacoby Ellsbury, because of an oblique injury on his right side, hasn't played in an exhibition game or taken batting practice since March 15. Nevertheless, Ellsbury said he likes his chances to play Opening Day.
"The way I feel right now I am very confident,'' Ellsbury said.
Jacoby EllsburyPhoto: Charles Wenzelberg
With the Yankees traveling to play the Rays, Ellsbury remained at George M. Steinbrenner Field to hit off a batting tee and participate in flip drills. Girardi's stance on the issue is if Ellsbury is able to play in an exhibition game by Tuesday, he then will have enough time to get ready for April 6.
"It went great,'' Ellsbury said of Thursday's activities.
The Yankees travel to Fort Myers on Tuesday, so it's likely Ellsbury will stay in Tampa and play in a minor league game.
A year ago Ellsbury suffered a calf injury on March 14, didn't play the rest of the major league exhibition schedule, but was ready for Opening Day in Houston.
Commissioner Rob Manfred met with the Rays and Yankees before Thursday's game — a 6-5 Yankees loss — to discuss pace of play, among other issues.
"I am encouraged about the pace of play. The people we have out in the field watching the games, the Joe Torres, the Jim Leylands, think we have had a little brisker pace, which is what we are after,'' Manfred said. "In both clubhouses [Thursday], the managers, coaching staff and, most important, the players, it seemed to me that they were willing to be cooperative and understanding.''
Manfred said he believes MLB will be represented next year in Cuba.
"I am optimistic we will be able to play in Cuba next year,'' Manfred said. "There is a lot of interest from the clubs for doing that. Obviously, we have to follow the lead of the federal government, what's possible to play in Cuba.''
Manfred said Alex Rodriguez will be drug tested.
"He is tested like every other player who has violated the program,'' Manfred said. "The program requires more frequent testing for players who are coming back after a suspension.''
Talking about Rodriguez's one-year suspension, Manfred said, "I have been very public about this. Alex served a very long suspension, and once he served that time baseball ought to welcome him back. I think we have done a good job. He has played well and good for him.''
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