Every year, players go to spring training with the simple goal of staying healthy. For New York Yankees outfielder Curtis Granderson, that goal was too much to ask for, as the 31-year-old outfielder fractured his forearm after being hit by a pitch during his first spring training plate appearance on Sunday. Initial reports state that it will be ten weeks before Granderson is ready to return to the Yankees, which puts him out until early May.
One result of Granderson’s injury is that Brett Gardner is virtually assured of beginning the season as the starting center fielder for the Yankees. Now, the team must not only find a reserve outfielder, but also someone to start in left field during the first month of the season. Some candidates figure to include non-roster invitees Matt Diaz, Juan Rivera, and Thomas Neal. The Yankees may also consider minor leaguers Ronnier Mustelier, Zoilo Almonte, and Melky Mesa.
General Manager Brian Cashman will also likely scour the trade market as spring training pushes forward.
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