NOTES: New York OF Brett Gardner, who came off the 60-day DL this week after missing 142 games with a strained right elbow, took part in two sets of batting practice before the game. It’s the first time he’s taken BP since rejoining the team. ... Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez, who did not play in Wednesday’s victory at Minnesota, started at DH. Jayson Nix was at third base. Girardi said Rodriguez could return to third base during this series, possibly Friday. Rodriguez went 0 for 2 and has one hit in his last 16 at-bats. ... New York 1B Mark Teixeira (strained left calf) had seven at-bats in a simulated game and will do the same Friday or Saturday, Girardi said. ... Aardsma pitched in a major league game for the first time since Sept. 19, 2010. He missed the past two seasons following hip and elbow operations.