BATS SILENCED, FILL-IN FLOPS

FISH ROLL, 7-0

CHICAGO — Joe Girardi was well aware of the risks involved starting Matt Holliday at first base Sunday night against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Holliday had 10 career games at the position. They were all last year with the Cardinals and none after July 30. Still, without the DH in play for the three games against the Cubs, and Monday and Tuesday in Cincinnati where the designated hit- ter will also be banned, the manager didn’t want Holliday’s bat to go stale on the bench.

“There are some concerns but I am willing to trade it off to get his bat back in the lineup,’’ Girardi said of using the righthanded hitting Holliday against lefty Jon Lester. “I don’t want him to sit forever. We are going to another National League city and we have Wednesday off. You have a really athletic pitcher on the mound so it’s a good day to do it.’’

Jacoby Ellsbury returned to the lineup Sunday night after not starting the previous four games with a nerve issue in the left elbow.

“I didn’t want Jacoby to go too long without atbats. He feels good now,’’ said Girardi, who pointed out Ellsbury was 5-for-10 (.500) against Lester as opposed to Brett Gardner being 3-for-13 (.231) versus the left-hander. “Gardy will be back in there [Monday].’’

Gary Sanchez started Friday and Saturday after coming off the DL but wasn’t in Sunday night’s lineup.

“I looked at Sanchez and he played five days in a row [including rehab games]. I figured give him [Sunday] and play the next two days,’’ said Girardi, who paired Austin Romine with Luis Severino.