"Is A.J. Burnett's job finally in jeopardy?

The Yankees will trim their staff from six starting pitchers to five next week, and while many believe that Burnett's bloated $82.5 million contract will be the determining factor that keeps the righthander in the rotation, Joe Girardi insists that won't play a part in the decision.

"There are no locks," Girardi said Sunday of Burnett, who lasted only 1-2/3 innings Saturday against the Twins before storming off the mound while shouting profanities. "You've got to pitch. You've got to perform. It's been a game that's based on performance. You've got to perform."

Asked specifically about Burnett's contract and the perception that he's getting a free pass because of it, Girardi tried to quash that theory.

"The reality is that he needs to pitch better, plain and simple," Girardi said. "We're in a six-man rotation right now because we're forced to be in a six-man rotation, but the reality is that he needs to pitch better."

Burnett will start Friday in Baltimore, as the Yankees will continue with a six-man rotation for another week thanks to Saturday's doubleheader.

"It's a big start for all of our guys," Girardi said. "We need him to bounce back."

Burnett is 1-4 with a 6.93 ERA since the beginning of July, including a 10.70 ERA in August. His 4.96 ERA is actually worse than it was a year ago, when he had a 4.80 mark."