Yankees activate newly acquired Gaudin

Aug 9, 2009 - 10:26 PM By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

NEW YORK(AP) -- The New York Yankees activated right-hander Chad Gaudin before Sunday night's game against the Boston Red Sox, giving them an extra arm in the bullpen and someone who could make a spot start if necessary.

The Yankees acquired Gaudin from the San Diego Padres last week for cash or a player to be named later. To make room for him, New York designated Josh Towers for assignment.

Manager Joe Girardi also decided to give Alex Rodriguez the night off from the field, putting him at DH in place of Hideki Matsui in the finale of a four-game series against the Red Sox. Jerry Hairston got the start at third base in A-Rod's place.

The 26-year-old Gaudin was 4-10 with a 5.13 ERA in 20 games for the Padres, including 19 starts. He goes from the team in last place in the NL West to the team with the best record in baseball, and joins them while in the midst of a heated series against their biggest rival.

"It's kind of ironic. Last year I got traded to a first-place team in the Cubs," said Gaudin, who has also pitched for Tampa Bay, Toronto and Oakland since 2003. "It's sort of the same situation. Just go and do the best I can."

Gaudin got off to a rough start this season, but he ended July by allowing three earned runs or fewer in five straight starts. He's 32-35 in his career with two saves and a 4.58 ERA.

"There is a number of things this guy could do for us because he has been stretched out, he has been a starter," Girardi said. "He can do it all, which gives me some flexibility."

Girardi said he's comfortable with Sergio Mitre as his fifth starter and dismissed the notion that he might use a six-man rotation. However, Girardi said that Gaudin would be the likely candidate to make an emergency start if there is an injury or someone needs a day off.

"Right now my job is to go out there and pitch one or two innings," Gaudin said. "I think I'm a better starter than reliever, but I've done both."

Towers was called up Saturday to provide some support after the Yankees burned through their bullpen in a 2-0, 15-inning victory Friday night. He did not pitch and left the ballpark under the impression he would be cleared out.