Joe Girardi is already sick of an unflattering biography of Alex Rodriguez, and the book isn't even out yet.

The New York Yankees manager lashed out at Sports Illustrated writer Selena Roberts' upcoming bio "A-Rod" yesterday. Girardi says he doesn't know why someone would write a book that delves into another person's personal life and questioned why the release date was moved up to today.

"I don't understand why someone would write a book like this anyway, and some people may not care to hear that but I don't understand," Girardi said.

Rodriguez admitted in February to using steroids while with Texas from 2001-03, but insisted he stopped before he was traded to the Yankees in February 2004. But the Daily News reported Thursday that Roberts' book says he may have used steroids as early as high school and even after he was acquired by New York.

ELSEWHERE

Yankees: Left-hander Damaso Marte was placed on the 15-day disabled list yesterday with weakness and tendinitis in his pitching shoulder. Also, Yankees outfielder Nick Swisher wasn't in the starting lineup posted before yesterday's game was rained out. He was hit by a pitch from Jered Weaver in a win over Los Angeles on Friday and has a bruised right elbow.

Brewers: Left fielder Ryan Braun was out of the lineup for the second straight game against the Arizona Diamondbacks because of a stiff back. Braun said yesterday that he's "day to day."

Royals: Shortstop Tony Pena Jr. was placed on the 15-day disabled list yesterday with a fractured bone in his left hand.

Diamondbacks: Reliever Tom Gordon strained his left hamstring while making a tag at home plate in the sixth inning and left yesterday's game at Milwaukee.

Astros: Reliever Doug Brocail left yesterday's game against Atlanta after straining his left hamstring covering a play at first base in the eighth inning.