Manager Joe Girardi said he liked the way some of the Yankees' other left-handed hitters matched up against Lester. Center fielder Curtis Granderson is a lifetime .281 hitter against Lester, while Gardner is just 2-for-11 against him in his career.
Girardi said he told Gardner to "be ready at any point," to enter Sunday's game. Gardner pinch-hit in the ninth inning, striking out against Brandon Workman.
Josh Vitale is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.