The Yankees have benched Alex Rodriguez and Nick Swisher for Game 3 of the ALCS against the Tigers.

Joe Girardi inserted Brett Gardner in left field and at the leadoff spot and Eduardo Nunez at shortstop. Eric Chavez is the team's starting third baseman.

"Right now, we feel it is time for a change," general manager Brian Cashman said.

Rodriguez is 0-for-18 with 12 strikeouts against right-handed pitching in the playoffs.

Swisher is 4 for 26 (.159) in these playoffs. For his career, he has batted .167 in 177 postseason at-bats.