However, manager Joe Girardi cautioned against making that leap, saying Drew was simply getting a day off.
The 32-year-old infielder’s performance has been less than stellar with season, with a slash line of .158/.226/.303 with five home runs and 15 RBIs in 45 games. His batting average ranks last among the 169 major-league hitters with enough at-bats to qualify for a batting title, and his .529 OPS is second-worst.
“I’d like to be doing better up there at the plate," Drew said. “I’ve got to also just trust my talent and know it’s a matter of time.”
Pirela, 25, went 1 for 3 with a run scored Saturday night and Drew was 0 for 1 off the bench.
When asked about possibly having a reduced status if Pirela does well, Drew said, “I can’t worry about that. I’m just worried about what I can control, and preparation and everything that I’m doing going into it. I trust my talent and in the long run it’s going to come out.”
