Lee has never pitched on three days’ rest, exactly what the Phillies would be asking of him in Game 4 if they were to go with their ace lefthander instead of their fourth option. And that unsettled Phillies manager Charlie Manuel.

So, he chose Joe Blanton instead. Blanton will get the ball in tomorrow’s Game 4, a development that surprised the Yankees, though they would admit it only privately.

“I don’t think he’s ready for it on three days’ rest,’’ Manuel said. “That’s really pushing him because he’s never done it before. If he had done it before, like say CC [Sabathia] has, and CC pitched consistently last year on three days’ rest. That’s a big difference, plus CC is big, and I think that plays a part in it.

“But Cliff has never done it, and I think you’re taking a chance on really pushing him. I think he’s the kind of guy that he gets into the game, and with his adrenaline going and everything, and definitely we don’t want to hurt him.’’

So, despite the virtuoso performance in Game 1 Wednesday - in which Lee threw 122 pitches in nine innings, allowing just an unearned run - Lee will make only two starts in this series. He is likely to be available in Game 7 in relief, as it would be his day to throw a bullpen session.

“I’m willing to do whatever they want me to do,’’ Lee said. “If they think it will help the team win, I’ll do it, whether it’s short rest, extra rest, whatever. When they want me to pitch, I’ll be ready, go out there and try to give the team a chance to win.’’

Not that the Yankees were worried. As Derek Jeter said when told of the decision: “I didn’t know that. I don’t think you’re ever scared of somebody.’’

“I’m glad I’m not a manager,’’ Mark Teixeira said. “We don’t think that far in advance. We really want to win [tonight’s] Game 3. After that’s over, we’ll see who’s pitching Game 4, and then we’ll attack whoever’s pitching Game 4.’’

But not having Lee pitch until Game 5 isn’t the only ramification of Manuel’s choice. The decision to pitch Blanton also pushes Pedro Martinez to Game 6, and tonight’s starter, Cole Hamels, to Game 7.

While Hamels was a postseason hero last year, going 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA in five starts in the three rounds, the lefthander has blown up in this year’s playoffs. Hamels allowed 11 runs in 14 2/3 innings in the National League Division Series and Championship Series for a 6.75 ERA.

“Definitely his command has played a big role in it,’’ Manuel said. “I think at times if you noticed, he’ll make mistakes with his changeup, leave it in the big part of the plate or a fastball up and things, and that’s what gets him in trouble. I think his command - he hasn’t reached a point this year where he’s put consecutive starts back to back, consistent, like he was last year.

“He’s just gone through kind of an off season for Cole Hamels. But at the same time, he’s still very capable of beating people.’’

Blanton is 0-3 with an 8.18 ERA in career four starts against the Yankees. Manuel could have gone with lefthander J.A. Happ in Game 4, but didn’t because he wants to keep Happ in the bullpen, and also because of Blanton’s experience pitching Game 4 of last year’s World Series against the Rays, which the Phillies won, 10-2.

“There’s nothing, as far as performance, that you can really draw [on],’’ Blanton said. “It’s just kind of the stage, keeping your emotions in check, and kind of you’ve been in that situation and done that. Makes it maybe a little more comfortable than if you never have.’’

Physically, Lee said, there haven’t been any issues. “I feel good,’’ he said. “I felt strong all year.’’ But he barely wanted to talk about the potential for Manuel to have chosen him for Game 4. Manuel made the decision, and that was it.

“We never went in-depth on our conversation about it,’’ Lee said. “I’m open to pitch whenever they want me to pitch. If they want me to pitch tomorrow, I’ll go out there and pitch. If they don’t want me to, if they want to wait two or three days, whatever. Charlie makes up the lineup and decides who comes in and out of the game.’’

Amalie Benjamin can be reached at abenjamin@globe.com.