Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez wasn't in the starting lineup on Tuesday night against the Orioles.
The team insists he isn't injured, but rather needed rest after playing in back-to-back games following a stint on the disabled list with strained left calf.
Rodriguez entered Tuesday's game as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning.
"I think Joe is being cautious, I think he's being smart," Rodriguez said.
"He's obviously much smarter than I am because if it was up to me, I would go play 20 days in a row and just be reckless, because I love to play," Rodriguez said. "That's why he's our manager."
Yankees Opt To Give A-Rod Rest