New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez is not in the starting lineup for Game 5 on Friday against the Baltimore Orioles. Eric Chavez will get the start at third, and Raul Ibanez is starting at designated hitter.
Rodriguez has just two hits in 16 at-bats this series, with nine strikeouts and no RBI. Manager Joe Girardi has pinch-hit for A-Rod late in each of the last two games.
Baltimore's starter, Jason Hammel, is a righty, which gives Eric Chavez a lefty-righty advantage. This season, Chavez hit .298 against righties, while A-Rod hit just .256 against them.
Rodriguez sports a .364 career average against Hammel, with four home runs in just 22 at-bats. He was, however, hitless against Hammel in Game 1 of this series.
Members of the New York media have been calling for Rodriguez's removal since the series began. During the regular season, Chavez hit for a higher average and had 16 home runs in just 278 at-bats.
Was benching A-Rod the right move by Yankees' manager Joe Girardi? Let us know what you think.