Yankees OFs Nick Swisher and Brett Gardner out of lineup with injuries

Swisher and Gardner out of Yankees’ lineup

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — New York Yankees outfielders Nick Swisher and Brett Gardner were out of the lineup for the start of a three-game series at Tampa Bay on Monday night.

Swisher has a recurring problem with a bone bruise on his left knee caused by a foul ball and will have an MRI exam Tuesday. Yankees manager Joe Girardi said there are no structural problems and the injury is thought to be a short-term situation.

Swisher pinch hit in the eighth inning, grounding out to third against Rays starter David Price. Swisher had a noticeable limp as he ran to first.

Gardner had an MRI exam Monday on his sore right wrist, which showed inflammation, but no major issues. He hopes to swing a bat on Tuesday.

Gardner was inserted as a pinch runner and stole second base for his 41st steal this season during the 10th inning. Later in the inning, he was caught leaning by reliever Joaquin Benoit and thrown out attempting to steal third.

The defending World Series champion Yankees entered Monday a half-game up in the AL East over second-place Tampa Bay.