Missing Miller, Girardi still comfortable in late innings

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Yankees manager Joe Girardi didn’t dance around what not having versatile reliever Andrew Miller to turn to in the late innings this year means.

“We lost a great pitcher in Andrew Miller,’’ Girardi said of the lanky lefty who was dealt to the Indians last July, and helped Cleveland get one win away from a World Series title. “He is a hard guy to replace.’’

Dellin Betances is back and Aroldis Chapman returned via free agency on a five-year contract worth $86 million, so the Yankees have plenty of ammunition late in the game. And while Tyler Clippard isn’t Miller, he still has a lot of experience.

“I feel good overall about our bullpen. The arms that we have down there and the options, the two longer guys who can serve as shorter guys if you needed to,’’ Girardi said of Bryan Mitchell and Adam Warren. “But again, you can’t replace Andrew Miller. He is the elite of the elite. [But] I feel really good about our bullpen.’’

With the first 18 games against the Rays, Orioles, Cardinals, White Sox and Pirates the Yankees have a chance for a decent beginning to the season.

“I think it is important to get off to good start because we are in such a tough division. We had four teams that finished over .500 last year,’’ Girardi said. “You don’t want to dig yourself a hole.’’

After three games in Pittsburgh (April 21-23) the schedule grows teeth. Nine of the following 12 games are against the Red Sox in Boston, the Blue Jays at home and the defending World Series champion Cubs in Chicago.

Make what you want of it but the Yankees’ 24-9-1 record in spring training was the best in the majors. The 24 victories tied the franchise’s record since at least 1962. The 2009 club won 24 exhibition games and the World Series.