Girardi considers pushing Tanaka’s next start back

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Masahiro Tanaka’s regular turn to start is Thursday against the Tigers in Detroit. However, with the Yankees in a stretch when they are scheduled to play 30 games in 31 days, manager Joe Girardi is contemplating inserting a pitcher into the rotation to give the five starters an additional day of rest at some point. As of Sunday, Girardi said he wasn’t ready to anoint Tanaka the starter at Comerica Park. “We haven’t made a decision yet,’’ Girardi said.

With rain in the forecast for Monday in Detroit, Girardi’s pitching plans could be significantly altered.

“I want to see what happens [ on Monday], that could be a tricky day for us,’’ Girardi said.

The insertion of a starter into the rotation isn’t being discussed with Tanaka solely in mind.

“I don’t want the focus to be only on Tanaka. CC [ Sabathia] has put in a lot of innings and Michael [ Pineda] had a serious arm injury,’’ Girardi said. “I want to see how guys are throwing and how they go through their starts. You got to measure it as a group.’’

If Tanaka is pushed back a day, he could start the series opener against theMets.

Carlos Beltran did not start for a second straight game due to a severe cold.

“He still feels weak,’’ Girardi said. “I am hoping to get him back [ Monday].”

Garrett Jones was in the starting lineup for the third time this season, his second in right field. He went 3for4 with a triple. Chris Young replaced Beltran in right field on Friday night and went 1for4 with a grand

slam.

Jacoby Ellsbury had an ice pack on the back of the right hand in the Yankees’ clubhouse after Sunday’s game.

“It’s a little sore from diving into the bases, it’s just maintenance,’’ said Ellsbury, who explained it started barking in Baltimore.

Ellsbury went 2for5 and scored a run.

Alex Rodriguez has started 11 of the Yankees’ first 12 games and each of the last four.

“Could I have sat Alex if I had Carlos? Yeah,’’ said Girardi, who batted Rodriguez third for the second straight game and third time overall. “His atbats have been good. If he had played the field [ Saturday night], I might have given himaday [ off].’’

Rodriguez went 1for3, walked twice and scored a run.

In 14 plate appearances in three games against the Rays, Rodriguez reached base eight times. He homered twice, drove in four runs, walked four times and scored six runs. Brett Gardner was the only Yankee to touch home plate six times in a threegame series last season.

Of Rodriguez’s 11 starts, nine have been as the DH; one at first and another at third.

The last time the Yankees swept a series of three or more games from the Rays in Tropicana Field was Sept. 1315, 2005.

Lefty Ian Clarkin, a firstround pick ( 33rd) overall in the 2013 draft, has been placed on the disabled list for SingleA Tampa with inflammation in the left elbow. He will be idle for a fewweeks.

The 20yearold, whowent a combined 43 with a 3.12 ERA in 17 games ( 16 starts) for SingleA Charleston and Tampa last season, didn’t get into a game this year before being shelved.