Yankees News and Notes: Martin, Gardner and Robertson

We’ll be providing New York Yankees news and notes in a separate column from the game recaps going forward. Generally, the post will cover events surrounding the Yanks beyond the scope of the previous or upcoming games. Let’s get to it.

TORRE SPEAKS WITH MARTIN & DIAZ

MLB Executive Vice President and former Yankees manager Joe Torre spoke with Russell Martin concerning his comments about umpire Laz Diaz according to Joey Nowak of MLB.com. Martin claimed he was not allowed to throw the ball back to his pitcher and that Diaz claimed it was a “privilege he had to earn” after Wednesday night’s victory over the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Torre also reached out to Diaz for his side of the story. Martin just wants to move on, but we’ll have to see what MLB decides as far as any penalties are concerned.

GARDNER & ROBERTSON REHAB CONTINUES

The rain could not completely stop Brett Gardner‘s rehab process and he was able to take swings inside the team’s Tampa facilities. It did however hinder David Robertson‘s day. The Yanks anticipate Gardner beginning games some time next week according to manager Joe Girardi. Robertson’s schedule is a bit further out, likely in the two week range.

The Yanks could really use Garder’s style of play to minimize the necessity of waiting for the big home run. It has been suggested that Robertson will be placed back in the eighth-inning role upon his return as Rafael Soriano is seven for seven in save chances since Robertson went down with the injury.

METS STEAL THE BACK PAGES FROM YANKEES

The big news in New York came out of Queens last night. The New York Mets received a no-hitter, the first of their franchise’s history from Johan Santana. Congratulations go out the Mets organization, Santana and their fans.

NOTEWORTHY

• Curtis Granderson‘s grand slam last night was his first homer in Detroit since being traded in 2009.
• The Yankees are now 10-9 against the Tigers in the regular season over the last three seasons.