NEW YORK (AP) — With the Yankees a season-high nine games back in the AL East and Carlos Beltran out of the starting lineup because of a leg injury, New York manager Joe Girardi sounds more concerned about a slow start that has turned into a half season of struggles. Slumping Alex Rodriguez, benched against right-handed starters earlier this week, replaced Beltran as the Yankees designated hitter. New York starts a trip Friday with an interleague series against the Padres — meaning there will be no DH. First baseman Mark Teixeira, who started four straight games after coming off the disabled list, was given a night off from the starting lineup.