Yankees LF Brett Gardner slowed by lingering wrist injury

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) New York Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner will take a slow approach at spring training because of a lingering wrist injury.

General manager Brian Cashman said Thursday that Gardner bruised his left wrist running into the wall in last year's AL wild-card game against Houston.

''It's gotten mostly better, but bone bruises can stay for a while so we're just going to stagger him out,'' Cashman said. ''I know he feels good, but we're just going to take it slow because we can. The season is not upon us tomorrow. Just part of the safe route. Spring training is long enough.''

Gardner suffered a bruised right wrist last year after getting hit by pitch in an April game against Baltimore.

Also Thursday, closer Aroldis Chapman missed his second workout this week. He had an excused absence to tend to a family matter.