Brett Gardner could start for Yankees

Despite only having three major league at-bats since April, New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner could be in the team’s starting lineup during their American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers, reports Andrew Marchand of ESPNNewYork.com:

"He still might play a role in this thing," Cashman said on ESPN New York 98.7 FM’s "The Michael Kay Show." "You could very well see Gardner in this big outfield that Detroit has. The way our offense is, it is a possibility. He deserves consideration considering what is going on right now."

Gardner was activated from the 60-day disabled list at the end of Sept. after recovering from an elbow injury that sidelined him for much of the season. The 29-year-old has yet to start a game for the Yankees, as he’s instead appeared as a late-game defensive replacement or pinch-hitter/runner.

Even with his capacity to play in question entering the playoffs, the Yankees have carried Gardner on their ALDS and ALCS rosters. Now, with the offense struggling mightily and the team facing a 2-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series, general manager Brian Cashman indicated Gardner could be inserted into the starting lineup.

Marchand speculates Gardner could spell Nick Swisher or Curtis Granderson in New York’s outfield, as both players have struggled so far this postseason.