Girardi called press box to save A-Rod from embarrassment
New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi requested that the team's public address announcer not mention Alex Rodriguez's name when he was pinch-hit for during the American League Championship series, according to CBSSports.com.
Typically, announcements include the pinch hitter and the player he is replacing in the lineup.
Girardi reportedly called the press box when Eric Chavez pinch hit for Rodriguez in Game 1 of the ALCS against the Detroit Tigers.
The New York Post, however, later reported the call came when Raul Ibanez pinch hit for Rodriguez in Game 3 of the series.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman confirmed that Girardi made the call so Rodriguez would not be further embarrassed by being removed.
Rodriguez said Girardi had "built up a lot of equity with him," despite being pinch-hit for and benched in another game.
Rodriguez went 3 for 25 at the plate in the playoffs. That included 0 for 18 with 12 strikeouts against right-handed pitching.
