Joba Chamberlain hasn't pitched in seven days.

The reason for the long respite is simple: The Yankees can't trust Chamberlain in a close game right now.

Joe Girardi said before Monday's game that he's trying to find low-stress situations for Chamberlain.

"We're trying to put him in those little leverage situations to get him going and we've played a lot of close games lately," Girardi explained.

In other words, Girardi doesn't trust Chamberlain in a tight spot. And you can't blame the manager for that.

Chamberlain has allowed 15 hits and seven runs (two homers) in 6 2/3 innings this season since coming off the disabled list Aug. 1.

"Until we feel like his stuff is where it needs to be and the consistency is where it needs to be, it's probably not fair to put him in those (close, late-game) situations," Girardi said.

Chamberlain had undergone Tommy John surgery and an appendectomy, dislocated his right ankle and torn his right MCL over the past year. Prior to this season, he last pitched on June 5, 2011.

It didn't sound like the Yankees were going to send Chamberlain down to make room for the newly acquired Steve Pearce.

"You hate to short your bullpen at this time of year," Girardi said.

NOVA FEELING BETTER: Ivan Nova said his right rotator cuff was feeling "better" on Monday and added that he believes he'll be back as soon as he's eligible to come off of the 15-day disabled list.

The Yankees put Nova on the DL last Thursday with the shoulder injury.

Nova had been struggling since the All-Star break, going 2-5 with a 6.40 ERA in his last 10 starts. He did not blame the injury for his poor performance.

"It's not an excuse. I was pitching without any pain in my body," Nova said.

PEARCE GIVES JOE A WEAPON VS. LEFTIES: Girardi isn't sure when to expect Pearce. He could show up as early as Tuesday. Once he does, the Yankees will be forced to make a corresponding move to make room.

Whomever is sent down will likely on be down for four only days. Rosters expand Sept. 1.

Girardi said one reason the Yanks reacquired Pearce is his success against left-handers. He's hitting .275 with three homers and 11 RBIs in 51 at-bats against lefties this season.

FELICIANO TO DOUBLE-A: Reliever Pedro Feliciano has been moved to Double-A Trenton as he continues to attempt to come back to the big leagues.

Feliciano has been recovering from surgery to repair a torn left capsule and rotator cuff. He signed a two-year contract with the Yanks before the 2011 season, but has yet to pitch for the team because of the injuries.

Girardi said Feliciano and catcher Francisco Cervelli could be called up when rosters expand, assuming doctors assure the Yanks that both players are ready to contribute.

ROBERTSON'S WIFE GIVES BIRTH: David Robertson's wife, Erin, gave birth to a baby boy -- Luke Joseph Robertson -- on Monday morning. Robertson was not with the team before the game but is expected to be in uniform later Monday evening. ... Alex Rodriguez (left hand) and Andy Pettitte (left fibula) will both have X-rays on Monday. We will have updates on their results after the game.