TAMPA — Curtis Granderson’s chances of being in center field for the Yankees’ Opening Day game Thursday against the Tigers may hinge on today’s weather.
“If it doesn’t rain, I will play [in a minor-league] game [today],” Granderson said after last night’s game against the Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field was rained out. “Everything feels good. There have been no setbacks, I continue to move forward.”
Granderson suffered a right oblique muscle strain March 22 during batting practice and hasn’t played since. The injury ruined a solid spring for the left-handed hitter who batted .385 (15-for-39) with three homers and seven RBIs.
The Yankees’ plan for Granderson is to play in minor-league games today and tomorrow then fly to New York tomorrow night.
“If he gets through those two days, I would think he should be ready to go,” manager Joe Girardi said.
And if the weather doesn’t allow it? Could Granderson play Thursday without playing in a minor-league game?
“You kind of want to see him at full speed,” Girardi said. “But it would be a decision we would have to make. We are not there right now so I can’t really give you an answer.”
The best possible scenario has Granderson in the lineup against Tiger ace Justin Verlander.
The worst is Granderson not feeling comfortable or looking good in minor-league games and landing on the disabled list.
“So far everything has went in a positive direction, but playing in a game is a bigger step than [batting practice] because BP is controlled,” Girardi said.
Prior to receiving treatment and hitting in the indoor cage yesterday, Granderson didn’t sound as upbeat as he did later.
“It’s a little tight when I swing, but no pain,” Granderson said. “I could be myself and able to play, but at the same time, am I the best piece for us?”
The biggest test for Granderson is how he feels swinging in a game. A check swing, a missed swing or an awkward hack does not happen in batting practice. But they do against live pitching.
“I need to play. My legs feel good and my arm strength feels good,” Granderson said.
Of course, if Granderson doesn’t make it for Opening Day it doesn’t mean he is headed for the DL. If the Yankees believe he could be ready Saturday or Sunday, they wouldn’t shelve him.
And it’s not like they don’t have capable options in center.
Brett Gardner, who some believe is better equipped to play center than Granderson, simply would move from left to center. Acquired from the Brewers last week for Sergio Mitre, Chris Dickerson can also play center. However, he is battling a left hamstring problem.
Andruw Jones, signed to play the corner outfield spots against lefties, won 10 Gold Gloves in center and could fill in an emergency.
One factor in deciding whether Granderson plays Thursday is New York’s weather. Temperatures are expected to be in the 50s, which is OK for late March in The Bronx but not ideal for a baseball player with a rib cage problem.
The Yankees are home until April 7, go to Boston for three games and return to Yankee Stadium for six games against the Orioles and Rangers through April 17 before playing two games indoors at Tropicana Field against the Rays.
So, weather in New York could be a factor just like the weather in Florida.