The Yankees are trying to be "cautious" with third baseman Alex Rodriguez. He was lifted from Sunday's game against the Mets after a short rain delay in the eighth inning. Rodriguez, who has been bothered by his right hip flexor, insisted he "felt really good" and could have played the ninth. "I think we had a little bit of a delay and Joe [Girardi] just felt it was a good idea. I felt really good," Rodriguez said. "I was encouraged. Made that play, got up, no problem and look forward to a good road trip." Rodriguez has started at third base just twice since June 10. "[It's a] precaution right now," Girardi said. "Hopefully I'll be able to get away from that after a while here. Just being cautious and with the little bit of rain I just thought it made sense."