Joe Girardi sleeps on it, keeps Alex Rodriguez on bench

• Alex Rodriguez will sit out a second consecutive game in the ALCS
• The rainout did not impact Joe Girardi's decision to sit him down
• The Yankees must win Game 4 to avoid elimination

DETROIT -- Having a night to sleep on it didn't change Joe Girardi's mind -- the New York Yankees manager still has third baseman Alex Rodriguez on the bench for today's Game 4 of the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.

Game 4 was originally scheduled for Wednesday night but rained out. Girardi decided to stick with the same lineup he posted Wednesday, which did not include Rodriguez or center fielder Curtis Granderson.

The highest-paid player in the game this season with a $29-million salary, Rodriguez will be on the bench for the second straight game. He is 3-for-23 (.130) with 12 strikeouts in the postseason and 1-for-7 with three Ks in the ALCS.

Rodriguez also was benched for Game 5 of the American League Division Series against the Baltimore Orioles. He has also been pinch-hit for in three of the six playoff games he has started.

Granderson has struggled just as badly as he is 3-for-29 (.103) with 16 strikeouts in the postseason and hitless in 10 ALCS at-bats while striking out six times. He hit 43 home runs in the regular season but also had 195 strikeouts.

The Yankees, with ace CC Sabathia on the mound, are trailing 3-0 and must win to keep their season alive.

Rodriguez's benching has created a significant distraction for the Yankees, and the club consider unloading the $114 million remaining on his contract in the offseason - if they can find a willing taker. Rodriguez will not request a trade, but would be open to one.