Gardner could return to lineup tonight

If Brett Gardner’s right knee responded to treatment and didn’t bother him hitting in the cage before Tuesday night’s game, there was a chance Aaron Boone could have used the outfielder as a pinch hitter, but he wasn’t needed in the Yankees’ 7-2 win over the Mariners at Yankee Stadium.

“We will see. I think it’s realistic,’’ Boone said of Gardner returning to the lineup Wednesday night after not playing since Saturday due to the inflamed hinge. “I actually believe he might be an option [Tuesday night].’’

Boone started Clint Frazier in left field Tuesday and he went 1-for-3.

“It’s better today,’’ Gardner said before the game. “I am going to hit and do some running. I am available tonight and hopefully back in the lineup [Wednesday]. I have never had an issue with my legs. Not being able to run affects both sides. At this point in the season you don’t want to make it worse.’’

After the Yankees’ 10th win in 13 games, Gardner remained encouraged he will make it back into the lineup for Wednesday’s game against Felix Hernandez.

“I feel good. I did a bunch of agility [drills] and hit in the cage,’’ Gardner said after Aaron Hicks, his replacement atop the lineup homered for the third straight game. “I am encouraged by the way it went and hope to play [Wednesday].’’ Gary Sanchez’s extended slump may have played a part in the Rays’ Wilson

Ramos passing him in the AL All-Star voting. Sanchez, who was on top of the catcher’s race on June 12 when the first results were released, was second Tuesday. Ramos led with 678,159 votes compared to Sanchez’s 618,899.

Sanchez went 0-for-4 Tuesday night, but his first two outs were line drives to left. In Sanchez’s last 20 games, he is in a 7-for-71 (.099) slump with a homer, six RBIs and 23 strikeouts.

With a 48-22 ledger, the Yankees are a season-high 26 games over .500. In the last 65 seasons, it is the second earliest they have reached that level. The Yankees are 14-6 against AL West teams this season. The 14 victories matches last year’s total against the division. ... Tuesday night’s game took 2 hours, 28 minutes to complete and matched the Yankees’ shortest game of the season. The other one was June 8 against the Mets at Citi Field. ... A.J. Cole pitched for the first time since May 28 and was perfect in the final two frames.