Gonzalez makes 2nd start, adding extra lefty bat to lineup against Jays

TORONTO — Marwin Gonzalez made his second start, his first in the outfield, for the Yankees Tuesday night in the second game of a three-game series against the Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre. Against Alek Manhoah, the Blue Jays tough young right-hander, Aaron Boone said he wanted to get another lefty in the lineup and the switch hitting Gonzalez is the rare Yankee with some positive results against Manoah.

“I do know he got a few hits against him last year. I just knew when I wasn’t gonna go with Joey (Gallo) and not wanting to run (Giancarlo Stanton) back out in the outfield again tonight. And then I just (said) let’s get another lefty bat in there somewhere,” the Yankees manager said. “And the fact that he had a little success against them last year hopefully carries on.”

Gonzalez went 3-for-6 with a walk and a strikeout against Manoah last season. Gallo, who is still day-to-day with a tight left groin, was 2-for-6 against Manoah, and Stanton also was 2-for-6.

DJ Lemahieu, who went 0-for-8 with four strikeouts against Manoah last season, was out of the lineup Tuesday.

Gonzalez was signed because of his defensive versatility. He can play every position in the infield except catcher and can also play the outfield.

Still day-to-day: Gallo was on the field and hitting with the final group during the Yankees batting practice Tuesday, but Boone was still being cautious with him. It was the third straight game that Gallo was out of the starting lineup with the left groin issues that he first felt during the Bombers sweep of the Royals in Kansas City over the weekend.

“I know yesterday was better than the day before and I think we’re at least encouraged by what we saw, but soft tissue things. . . you just kind of want to err on the side of caution, especially this time of year,” Boone said of Gallo. “Making sure he’s sound and ready to go. So we’ll see how he does pregame and you know, I’m expecting it to go pretty well.”

Gallo, who is struggling offensively to start the season, had two hits in Saturday night’s game before having to leave after injuring himself trying to steal second base. Gallo has had just two multi-hit games this season, so he was frustrated to have to sit just when he felt like he was seeing some results.

Gallo is hitting .180/.275/.295 with a .570 OPS, two home runs and three RBI. The lefty has struck out 29 times in 61 at-bats and walked eight times.

“Last night he was an emergency option. I’m hoping and expecting that he’ll be an option for me tonight, but I want to go through the pregame and make sure he gets through but I know he’s feeling pretty good,” Boone said. “And actually in talking to him last night he wanted to be in there today.”