Girardi speaks out against late afternoon Sunday games

BALTIMORE - New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi has a problem with Major League Baseball scheduling Sunday's regular-season finales for the late afternoon.

Several teams faced elimination, and New York needed a win over Baltimore on Sunday to earn home-field advantage in Tuesday's wild-card game.

It was cloudy at Camden Yards at 3:05 p.m., but late-afternoon games often make it difficult for batters to see pitches.

Girardi said, ''Here's the thing that bothers me: If it's a sunny day you're playing in shadows.''

He added, ''If it's the most important game of the year to get in, I don't think that's right.''

Understanding the idea is for every team to play at the same time, Girardi said, ''Then play all night games.''

Girardi confirmed that Masahiro Tanaka will start Tuesday for New York.