The Yankees lost to the Blue Jays in their Grapefruit League home opener, but no one cares. Curtis Granderson was hit by a pitch that broke his right forearm in the game, an injury that will sideline him for ten weeks. Given all the offense they let go this offseason, the last thing the Yankees needed was their top power hitter suffering a serious injury.
As expected, Brian Cashman said it was unclear what the injury meant for the outfield situation following this afternoon’s game. Obviously Brett Gardner will step in as the everyday center fielder, but the plan to shift Granderson to left might have to go out the window if he can’t get enough reps there before being game ready. Cashman said they won’t try Eduardo Nunez in left and he’s not sure if any of their young players are ready to play everyday in the big leagues right now. Pretty awful situation. Here’s the box score and here’s the rest from Tampa…
- As always, Chad Jennings has the day’s workout assignments for those who didn’t play in the game. Hiroki Kuroda and Mark Montgomery (back) threw live batting practice while David Robertson and Andy Pettitte threw side sessions.
- Brian Cashman said Derek Jeter will probably play his first exhibition game around March 10th, and he’ll start first as a DH before playing shortstop. The Cap’n said that will give him enough time to get ready for Opening Day. [Andy McCullough & Jack Curry]
- Phil Hughes (bulging disk) will spend about five days working out in a pool before picking up a ball according to Cashman. The right-hander finished off his anti-inflammatory medication yesterday. [Jennings]
- Tomorrow’s travel squad is light on projected big leaguers, with only Frankie Cervelli, Dan Johnson, Jayson Nix, Brett Gardner,
and Curtis Grandersonmaking the trip to Sarasota to face the Orioles. Southpaw Vidal Nuno will start that game, which will be broadcast on MLB.tv but not YES.
Here is your open thread for the night. Both the Islanders and Knicks are playing, so talk about those games or anything else. Enjoy.
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