After Alex Rodriguez belted three home runs in Saturday’s game against the Twins, he credited Joe Girardi with aiding his resurgence. How did the Yankees’ manager thank Arod for those kind words? By benching him the next day.
No irony or sarcasm was intended above. Although Arod’s praise was based on Girardi’s support during the winter, he could just as easily have been referring to the prudent way the Yankees’ manager has handled his workload during the season. Over the team’s first 98 games, Girardi has used scheduled off days, interleague play, and well-timed breaks to get his DH much needed rest. In total, Arod has sat out an entire game seven times and had one pinch hit appearance in five others, which, combined with days off built into the schedule, have helped keep the Yankees’ 40-year old slugger healthy and fresh.
Not only has Girardi’s management of Arod’s playing time kept his number-three hitter in the lineup, but it has also paid immediate dividends in terms of production. In games following a day off (either full or partial), Rodriguez has responded with a robust line of .333/.444/.628, which easily trumps his albeit still impressive season totals. Perhaps this immediate impact is a coincidence, but it’s hard to argue with the results.
Give It a Rest: Arod’s Performance After Rest
Source: baseball-reference.com data and proprietary calculations
If the Yankees maintain their healthy lead in the A.L. East, it will be easy for Girardi to continue his regiment of rest for not only Arod, but other team veterans as well. But, even if the pennant race should tighten, Girardi’s discretion could be just as important as his players’ valor. Without health, the Yankees will have little chance of success, both down the stretch and in the postseason, so, the next time Arod, or any of the Yankees’ key veterans are not in the lineup, disappointment should be tempered and expectations raised for the next game.
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