YES Network.com

Washington (AP) New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano wasn't in the starting lineup Friday night against the Washington Nationals. Manager Joe Girardi said that Cano, who had played every game this season could play, but that he chose to give him a day off against Nationals left-hander Gio Gonzalez.

Cano is 0 for 9 with four strikeouts against Gonzalez.

Girardi said that Cano was spiked in the left leg in Atlanta on Tuesday night, but was all right. Jayson Nix, who is 3 for 7 against Gonzalez was in the starting lineup instead.

Cano said he wanted to play and that the spiking was ''nothing serious.''

The second baseman rarely takes a day off. In the last five seasons, he's averaged 160 games. Cano is batting .294 with 11 home runs and 30 RBIs.