With the idea of shaking up the lineup going into Game 3 against Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander, Yankees GM Brian Cashman said that Brett Gardner could be a starting outfielder.

"He still might play a role in this thing," Cashman said on ESPN New York 98.7 FM’s "The Michael Kay Show." "You could very well see Gardner in this big outfield that Detroit has. The way our offense is, it is a possibility. He deserves consideration considering what is going on right now."

Gardner could start in the outfield with Nick Swisher or Curtis Granderson or, in some arrangements, both sitting. Previously, Yankees manager Joe Girardi has said he is hesitant to play Gardner because he has only had three major league at-bats since April. Gardner missed most of the season with an elbow problem.

Gardner is 5-for-11 in his career against Verlander. Swisher is a .180 hitter (61 at-bats) against Verlander. Swisher has never been able to hit in the playoffs. Gardner could start in left with Ichiro Suzuki moving to right.

Girardi could also bench Granderson, putting the hot Raul Ibanez in right instead of at DH. This would allow Eric Chavez to DH. Chavez is a .360 hitter in 25 at-bats against Verlander.

"Does it mean we will make a change? It doesn't mean we will make a change," Cashman said. "Gardy is a tremendous, talented player, who can get on base, wreak havoc and play great defense. We'll see."

We will have a column up a little later, advising Girardi to sit Swisher and Granderson in Game 3.