DETROIT (AP) — Alex Rodriguez and Nick Swisher have been benched by the New York Yankees for Game 3 of the AL championship series at Detroit on Tuesday night.
It's the second time A-Rod has been benched this postseason. He's 3 for 26 in the playoffs so far, including 0 for 18 with 12 strikeouts against right-handers. Detroit right-hander Justin Verlander takes the mound Tuesday against New York, trying to help the Tigers to a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Swisher has struggled about as much as Rodriguez, going 4 for 26 this postseason.
Eric Chavez starts at third base in place of Rodriguez. Brett Gardner is leading off and playing left field, making his first start since April 17.