Mariano Rivera checked out with a serious knee injury on May 5. David Robertson hasn't pitched since May 11 due to a rib cage problem.
Yet, without the premier closer in the baseball and the best eighth-inning arm the Yankees' bullpen hasn't gone to seed.
Going into tonight's game against the Tigers in Detroit, Yankee relievers were ranked third with a 2.69 ERA. Only the Orioles (2.32) and Reds (2.39) were better than the Yankees.
"We have resilient guys down there who compete,'' GM Brian Cashman said. "And Joe (Girardi) is doing a good job of mixing and matching.''
Since Rivera went down the Yankees have converted seven of eight saves and Rafael Soriano is a perfect 6-for-6.
Right-hander Cory Wade and lefty Boone Logan have pitched well.
And that must continue because Cashman said yesterday Robertson is at least two weeks away from returning.
"He will need a number of bullpen sessions and then batting practices before he pitches in a minor league rehab assignment,'' Cashman said.
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A Yankees lineup that needs help could be getting it sooner than Robertson returns.
According to Cashman, Brett Gardner (strained right elbow) is getting close to taking batting practice.
"He will go out on a rehab (assignment) a week after that,'' Cashman said of the speedy left fielder who hasn't played since April 17.
Brian Cashman, David Robertson, Mariano Rivera, the Yankees, Rafael Soriano, Boone Logan
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