Chad Jennings

cjennings@lohud.com

After getting a late-inning at-bat this afternoon, Yankees third baseman Chase Headley explained his two-day absence from the starting lineup.

“Over the All-Star break, my oldest son had a small operation, and he’s been dealing with some complications the last few days," Headley said. "It got pretty serious yesterday, and we had to take him to the hospital. He had to have another procedure, but he’s doing a lot better."

The Yankees had explained the absence by citing only personal reasons. Headley spoke briefly to explain the details of the situation.

His son, Colt, is 4 years old and turns 5 in September.

"I don’t remember a whole lot of days in my life that were worse," Headley said. "I’m thankful that he’s got the care that he needed and that he’s doing a lot better. He’s in great condition right now."

Headley was a late scratch from the lineup yesterday and was not with the team for Wednesday's game. He was back this afternoon and pinch hit in the eighth. Joe Girardi said he expects to have Headley as a fully available player going forward.