ST. PETERSBURG -- Joe Girardi often stresses the importance of family to his players and coaches. The Yankees' manager is practicing what he preaches, handing the reins of his club to bench coach Rob Thomson in order to attend his daughter Serena's high school graduation.
Thomson said that Girardi filled out the lineup card in advance of Friday's series opener against the Rays at Tropicana Field, but otherwise there will be no communication with Girardi during the game. The manager is expected to be back on the Yanks' bench for Saturday's game.
"I enjoy the fact that it gives Joe an opportunity to go be with his daughter at her graduation," Thomson said.