NEW YORK — New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi missed his second straight game today with an upper respiratory infection.

Girardi was at the ballpark and bench coach Rob Thomson said about 2 1/2 hours before the game against the Tampa Bay Rays that he thought Girardi would be back in the dugout. But the club said right before the first pitch that Thomson would manage the team for the second straight day.

Girardi also missed New York's 13-4 loss to Tampa Bay yesterday after the Yankees said he had a high fever. Thomson said he consulted with Girardi during the game about a couple of decisions.

Girardi was hired by New York in the offseason to replace longtime manager Joe Torre.

The Yankees also made a move before the matchup with the Rays, activating Andy Pettitte off the disabled list and optioning right-hander Jonathan Albaladejo to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Pettitte made his first start today after a dreadful offseason that included him admitting to using human growth hormone and giving a deposition and affidavit to a House committee contradicting friend Roger Clemens' testimony.

He was on the disabled list because of back spasms.

Pettitte got to throw to usual catcher Jorge Posada, who was behind the plate for the first time since opening day. Posada missed two games with a stiff right shoulder and served as the designated hitter in Friday night's loss.