Rivera
Rivera had not been available Sunday in a 14-9 win over the Los Angeles Angels because of back spasms. About 45 minutes before the game on Monday night, Rivera told reporters that he felt better.
When asked if his back was hurting, Rivera said, "I don't feel anything. We'll see how I feel tomorrow, but hopefully it's good."
Asked if he would "fight" to get into the game, Rivera smiled and said, "I would try to fight them."
Rivera's back started bothering him between the shoulder blades after taking the loss in Friday night's 1-0 defeat to the Angels.
Elsewhere, Yankees manager Joe Girardi announced that rookie right-hander Dan Giese would replace right-hander Darrell Rasner as Friday night's starter against the Angels.
Rasner was knocked around for five earned runs in four innings on Sunday. Giese pitched three scoreless innings of relief in the same game.
"Giese has gotten people out," Girardi said. "We've used him as a starter, in long relief, and just for an inning. He's throwing strikes."
Rasner is 5-8 with a 5.23 ERA in 15 starts. Giese is 1-3 with a 2.51 ERA in 13 games, including two starts.
Girardi spoke to Rasner about the change earlier Monday. Rasner will move to the bullpen and is expected to be available in long relief starting Wednesday night.
"Darrell understands," Girardi said. "He said, 'I'll get better.' That's what you want in a player."
In other news, right-handers Phil Hughes (fractured rib) and Carl Pavano (elbow surgery) will have minor league rehab assignments on Thursday. Hughes will start for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre and Pavano will start for Double-A Trenton.
Girardi said each will throw about 65 pitches.
"The next start, we'd be talking about 80 and the one after that, about 95," Girardi said. "We'll see what they look like when they get to 80 or 95 pitches and they could be back before September."
Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano was back in the lineup after missing two straight starts because of a sore left hand.
Yankees’ Hawkins has 3-game suspension upheld
Wings try to close out Stars again
Yanks say knee surgery possible for injured Matsui
FCD’s ‘Bird Man’ starts to take flight
