Joe Girardi got heated several times while talking to reporters before Wednesday's New York Yankees-Boston Red Sox game.

Girardi got defensive about his reasons for benching Alex Rodriguez with the 41-year-old's career set to come to an end on Friday.

The manager had a problem with reporters who asked him why he wasn't sitting a struggling Rodriguez early in the season but now wonder why he isn't playing him as the Yankees say they're trying to contend for an American League Wild Card spot.

"I'm putting out what I feel is the best lineup as we sit around and talk about it as coaches," Girardi said. "That's my job. That's in my job description. My job description does not entail a farewell tour."