Yankees give nicked up Sanchez and Torres day off

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — New York catcher Gary Sanchez and shortstop Gleyber Torres were both out of Sunday’s lineup against Tampa Bay as the Yankees took a conservative approach with the nicked-up players.

Sanchez was hit hard on his catching helmet by Guillermo Heredia’s back swing Saturday night in the eighth inning, but stayed in the game.

“Was considering a DH day for him today but then felt like it was best to have him out of there,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “Went through some testing last night. He came in this morning feeling good, so I think we’re good to go there. Probably a good day to give him a day.”

Torres played Saturday, one day after getting hit by a pitch on the right elbow.

“Getting hit by that pitch the other night didn’t affect him all swinging the bat,” Boone said. “Felt like he was a little sore throwing the ball from short yesterday. Getting with him last night, felt like it was a good day to give him a day.”

The Yankees, who entered Sunday 1 1/2 games behind the AL East-leading Rays, have 12 players on the injured list including Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Luis Severino.

Boone said the plan is to reinstated CF Aaron Hicks (strained left lower back) from the 10-day injured list Monday.

Hicks, currently rehabbing with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, was hurt at spring training in early March.