Yanks catch break, Austin ban reduced

ARLINGTON, Texas — Austin Romine’s suspension was reduced from two games to one, and he served it in Friday night’s 11-5 loss to the Rangers. Starting catcher Gary Sanchez, who served his three-game suspension, returned to the lineup and went 2-for-3 with two RBI and a walk out of the No. 3 hole.

“It’s really good to have Gary back, and Romine did a really good job in his absence, which he’s done all season,” Joe Girardi said. “You hope Gary’s not rusty and can pick up right where he left off. Maybe the rest will help him.”

Sanchez, 24, has an .870 OPS with 28 homers and 81 RBI in 104 games. Romine started all three games in Baltimore with Sanchez out of action.

“It’s one game,” Girardi said. “Romine was put in a tough situation that day (in Detroit) because he was protecting himself. We’ll deal with it, he’ll deal with it and we’ll be back at full strength tomorrow.”

Romine traded punches with Miguel Cabrera during a benches-clearing brawl on Aug. 24 in Detroit. “I’m looking forward to moving on,” Romine said.

BANGED UP

Didi Gregorius hit a foul ball off his right leg Friday, but Girardi expected his shortstop to be in the lineup on Saturday. Ronald Torreyes came in late for Gregorius so he could apply ice. “He’ll be in there tomorrow,” Girardi said of Gregorius.

Aaron Judge also slammed his head into the right-field wall while trying to catch a foul ball. “It’s not what you want, but he seems ok,” Girardi said.

SIXTH MAN

There’s a “good chance” the Yankees will return to a six-man rotation, Girardi said. It will likely go Masahiro Tanaka (Friday), Luis Severino (Saturday), Jordan Montgomery (Sunday), CC Sabathia (Monday), Sonny Gray (Tuesday) and Jaime Garcia (Wednesday).

Sabathia received routine maintenance on his right knee, as previously scheduled, in the form of another injection. He could have more injections, as needed.

Garcia, who hasn’t started since Aug. 30, threw a four-inning sim game at Globe Life Park prior to Friday’s game.

NESTING BIRD

Greg Bird was not in the lineup for a second straight game. “We’re facing a lefty (Martin Perez) today, so that’s why I did it,” Girardi said. “(Chase Headley’s) been swinging the bat really well, so Birdie will be back in there tomorrow.” ... Clint Frazier (oblique) has gone 2-for-12 with three RBIs in three minor-league playoff rehab games with Double-A Trenton.