LAKELAND, Fla. — Joe Girardi knows he can’t run the clock out when it comes to identifying the Yankees five-man rotation.
At some point, Girardi will have to inform the public who falls in behind CC Sabathia and Hiroki Kuroda.
That time hasn’t arrived yet.
“I don’t think you have to make it until [April 3 or 4],’’ the manager said yesterday before Freddy Garcia pitched well against the Tigers in his first outing since taking a ball off his right hand March 14. “You are not forced to. You would like to set up your rotation so they get into their turn. They are all so close. It’s not a huge difference when they throw.’’
Girardi is more focused on choosing the best arms instead of what order they will work the first time through the rotation.
“It’s more important getting what we feel the right five guys are,’’ Girardi said.
Phil Hughes, Ivan Nova, Michael Pineda and Garcia are competing for three spots. Andy Pettitte will work in the shadows until possibly being ready May 1.
“I have resigned myself to that,’’ Girardi said when asked how tough the call will be. “Guys are throwing the ball well and it’s a decision we will have to make. It doesn’t mean it’s a final decision and it can change but we have to go with what we feel is right. We are going to pick who the five best starters are and go with that.’’
With 10 exhibition games remaining, Girardi indicated he does not know who the three names will be.
“I could go back and forth right now because that’s what we see,’’ Girardi said.”
Garcia made a strong case yesterday at Joker Marchant Stadium when he shook off getting hit in the left leg in the third inning to hurl 4 1/3 scoreless innings. He allowed one hit, walked two and struck out four.
“We are competing and I like that,’’ said Garcia, who lowered his spring training ERA to 2.92. “My concentration is better.’’
A starter throughout his 11-year career, Garcia could be part of the rotation, be placed in long relief or traded.
“I have to worry about myself,’’ Garcia said. “I have to go out there and pitch. The way I pitched today was good.’’
And impressive to Girardi.
“Freddy was great today, he threw everything,’’ Girardi said. “I was very pleased.’’
Each candidate brings different credentials to the “4-for-3’’ decision.
Hughes has pitched well enough to claim the No. 3 spot. Yet, he has more bullpen experience (49 games) than the others combined.
Nova won 16 games a year ago and has flashed brilliance at times this spring.
Stud hitting prospect Jesus Montero was sacrificed to bring Pineda from Seattle. While Pineda hasn’t pushed the radar to 97-mph as he did in the first half of last season, he has pitched effectively and, as the extra 10 pounds he arrived carrying has melted away, the velocity has improved slightly.
Girardi will eventually have to decide what his five-man rotation looks like, because he can stall, but not forever.
george.king@nypost.com
Joe Girardi, Girardi, Freddy Garcia, Michael Pineda
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