Joe Girardi, CC Sabathia

Yankees manager Joe Girardi, left, and starting pitcher CC Sabathia. (File photos)

TAMPA -- Maybe the Yankees are softening on their hair policy?

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said he didn't have an issue with the full, groomed beard veteran starting pitcher CC Sabathia sported on the mound during a 7-6, 10-inning win over the Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Tuesday.

Sabathia threw two scoreless innings.



Girardi said he doesn't monitor whether players follow the team's rule -- set long ago by the late owner George Steinbrenner -- that basically says no-nos include facial hair below the lip, long sideburns and hair past the shoulders. Steinbrenner's daughter, Jennifer, mostly enforces the policy these days, according to the New York Times.



Girardi said he didn't notice Sabathia's beard.

"I don't stare at him that close, I guess," the manager said. "I don't know what to tell you. Most important thing is we win games. He did his job today. If I see it as a problem or if someone calls me and says they're a problem, I'll let them know. I didn't see it as a problem today."

Bird asks Pettitte for private workout



Andy Pettitte, who appeared in camp for the first time this spring as a guest instructor Thursday, sometimes kept facial hair on the mound, Girardi said.



"I've seen Andy Pettitte -- they don't shave the day they necessarily pitch. So, it's not my focus of camp," Girardi said.



Sabathia was asked if he thought he would have to shave soon.



"I don't know," he said.



Or would he wait until the team tells him to do it?



"Yeah, I guess so," he said.



Minor-league outfielder Clint Frazier was told he would have to cut his trademark long red hair and shave his face when the Yankees traded for him last summer.

Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.