Considering how tricky rib cage problems can be, the Yankees are extremely fortunate to have Curtis Granderson in today’s Opening Day lineup against the Tigers at Yankee Stadium.
Late Tuesday, Granderson and the club didn’t know if the strained right oblique muscle would be healed enough for the center fielder to face Justin Verlander and his former team. However, after Granderson came through a minor league game in Tampa yesterday without a problem, he got on a plane to New York and was declared ready.
“The last few days he has felt great,” general manager Brian Cashman said. “Hopefully, he is ready to go and help us immediately.”
Granderson suffered the injury taking batting practice on March 22 and yesterday was his first game action, going 2-for-5 with two doubles, an RBI and playing five innings in center field against the Pirates’ Single-A team. Granderson participated in a simulated game Tuesday in Tampa and was encouraged afterward that he could be ready for today, when he will bat eighth.
Of course, there are risks playing Granderson. Today’s temperature is expected to be in the 50s, which isn’t ideal for muscles that are healthy, much less those that are not.