CHICAGO — On Wednesday, for the first time since 1970, the Yankees used 21 players in a game before the Sept. 1 expansion of rosters to 40 players. They used every position player and every relief pitcher in the 13-inning game. Only the four other starting pitchers did not play.

But if the game had continued longer, it could have been the second time this year Manager Joe Girardi had to call upon a position player to pitch. If the situation comes up again, Ichiro Suzuki may be the man. A former high school pitcher who has thrown in an All-Star Game, the 40-year-old Suzuki has ambitions to get back on the mound at least one more time before he retires.

“I would be happy to help if they need me,” he said, his eyes brightening at the prospect of it.

Suzuki pitched to one batter in the 1996 Japan All-Star Game, and with his free-and-easy delivery, he induced a ground ball for an out from a pitcher.

Suzuki has two strong pitches.

“Fastball and slider,” he said with pride. “But like all Japanese pitchers, the splitter is my bread and butter.”