A-Rod out of Yankees' lineup with no DH at Nationals Park

WASHINGTON (AP) Alex Rodriguez was out of the Yankees' lineup against the Nationals because no designated hitter is used in games at NL ballparks.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said before Tuesday night's opener of a two-game series that ''it's easier to play him on a more daily basis when we keep him at DH.''

Added Girardi: ''He hasn't played a whole lot of field.''

Rodriguez started 34 of New York's 39 games entering Tuesday: 31 at DH, two at third base, one at first base.

''I'm sure he'd much rather be in there than having all this time off. But, I mean, he understands the situation,'' Girardi said. ''That's what happens when you become a DH. It becomes harder to get in games when you're in a National League park.''