--2B Robinson Cano wasn't in the starting lineup for the first time this season Sunday but entered as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning of the Yankees' 3-2 win over the Twins. Cano was the only Yankee to start all 36 games prior to Sunday and is their only player to appear in every game. Manager Joe Girardi told reporters Cano was just getting a day off.
--RHP Joba Chamberlain might have found a solution to his first-inning woes. After struggling in the first inning early this season, the Yankees had him pitch a simulated first inning in his bullpen session before Saturday's start. Chamberlain did not yield a run in the first and gave up two in six innings; he said he would stick with the routine. --3B Alex Rodriguez, who has started all nine games at third base since he rejoined the Yankees May 8, could take a seat Monday. Joe Girardi told reporters he hoped to either start Rodriguez at designated hitter or rest him entirely in the finale of a four-game series against the Twins.
BY THE NUMBERS: 2 -- Number of walk-off hits OF Melky Cabrera had produced in the season's first 35 games despite losing the starting spot in center field in spring training.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I gave you guys something to talk and write about and I didn't have to open my mouth. That's kind of the way I want it. I want to stay out of my own way." -- Alex Rodriguez to reporters after hitting a walk-off home run on May 16.
