Posada, Jeter return; A-Rod, Gardner out as Yankees try ending slide vs. Rangers

NYY: Posada, Jeter in; A-Rod, Gardner, Swisher out

ARLINGTON, Texas — Jorge Posada and Derek Jeter were back in the New York Yankees’ lineup Sunday, while Alex Rodriguez, Nick Swisher and Brett Gardner were out.

Manager Joe Girardi said he was giving A-Rod a day of rest from the starting lineup following consecutive losses to the Texas Rangers, both which ended well after midnight. Gardner is out because of a sore wrist. Swisher was a late scratch because of a recurring problem with a bone bruise on his left knee caused by a foul ball.

Posada had missed three starts following a concussion. He pinch-hit Saturday night.

Jeter sat out Saturday night as a rest after going 1 for 7 in a 13-inning loss Friday night.

New York entered following consecutive losses. With five defeats in six games, and the defending World Series champions’ lead over second-place Tampa Bay in the AL East was down to a half-game.