Gary Sanchez ‘close to being an option’ again for Yankees

Gary Sanchez (strained groin) is eligible to come off the IL on Saturday. Sanchez said through an interpreter Friday he “feels good” and has been going through hitting and catching drills. Aaron Boone, however, said his starting catcher won’t be activated for Saturday’s doubleheader. Sanchez is expected to run the bases on Saturday as he nears his return.

“He’s definitely close I think,” Boone said after the Yankees’ 4-2 win over the Red Sox on Friday at the Stadium. “I would say he is very close to being an option.”

DJ LeMahieu returned after missing four games with a tight groin and had two hits. … Aaron Hicks went 0-for-4, now hitless in 17 straight at-bats.

Domingo German will start the first game in Saturday’s doubleheader and the Yankees could use an opener in the second game.

It would figure to be Chad Green, if he’s not needed in the first game.

The probable starters for both the Yankees and Red Sox for Sunday night’s game weren’t at the Stadium on Friday, as both J.A. Happ and David Price were placed on the paternity list.

Boone said Happ would be back in time to start Sunday, while Boston manager Alex Cora was hopeful Price would, as well.

With Happ out, the Yankees recalled left-hander Stephen Tarpley from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Boston recalled infielder Marco Hernandez to take Price’s spot.

Tickets dated Saturday, Aug. 3 at 4:05 p.m. or 1:05 p.m. are valid only for Game 1 at 1:05 p.m. Those with tickets from the May 30 rainout can use them for Saturday’s Game 2 at 7:05 p.m.

Boone said CC Sabathia responded well to the shot of lubrication he got in his right knee on Tuesday and expects the left-hander to have a “shorter stint” on the injured list than the Yankees initially feared. And he reiterated the tests on Sabathia’s left shoulder were “fine.”

To mark the 40th anniversary of the death of Thurman Munson, the Yankees had Munson’s widow, Diana, throw out the first pitch on Friday to Munson’s former teammate, Willie Randolph.

— Additional reporting by Zach Braziller