Cano held out of lineup by Girardi

Sep 15, 2008 - 10:45 PM BRONX, New York (Ticker) -- Approaching the conclusion of a sluggish season, New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi apparently won't tolerate more lackluster play from Robinson Cano.

One day after penalizing Cano for not hustling, Girardi held the second baseman out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Chicago White Sox.

Cano was pulled from Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays after the fourth inning for not chasing a ball hit by outfielder Cliff Floyd. Girardi said the reason for the benching was a lack of effort.

"We don't want what happened yesterday to happen again," Girardi said. "Obviously, (Cano) has had a year that has been difficult on him. He's a guy who's used to hitting .300 and being successful. You have to figure out how to play the game the same way no matter what the result is.

"There was just no effort after the ball (on Sunday). ? That there was no effort on the ball is what really upset me."

The 25-year-old Cano, often criticized for his lackadaisical approach, is batting .260 with 13 homers and 61 RBI in 146 games this season.