The New York Yankees received horrible news Sunday after Curtis Granderson was hit by a pitch on his left forearm in the first inning of their Spring Training game against the Toronto Blue Jays. The HBP looked harmless, but reports have it that he will miss 10 weeks before making a return.
J.A. Happ came in on Granderson in his first at bat of the game. The pitch was supposed to be low and outside, but Happ completely missed, no surprise for a Spring Training game, and instead jammed Granderson. Grandy almost pulled the trigger, but the ball was so far inside he could not avoid the ball.
The injury will now give way for any of the minor signings to possibly make the starting lineup. However, this is the worst news the Yankees could receive entering 2013. They didn't sign any big free agents, passed on numerous guys and didn't resign players who they couldn't afford.
[CLICK HERE TO WATCH GRANDERSON HIT BY A PITCH VIDEO] Provided by MLB.com
The Steinbrenners are trying to save money so guys like Raul Ibanez, Russell Martin and Nick Swisher were allowed to walk. The Yankees don't have as much home run power, so Granderson was going to play a huge part in the offensive production. He led the team in 2013 with 43 homers. So now, the power will have to be provided by Robinson Cano and Mark Teixeira.
Another devastating part to this injury was manager Joe Girardi's outfield movement. Granderson was going to use Spring Training to learn how to play left field as the numbers have Brett Gardner as the better centerfield option. He's faster and therefore will help the Yankees on defense lowering the total number of runs allowed.
Who Replaces Grandy?
The Yankees farm system is too fresh, so guys like Juan Rivera and Matt Diaz, who were signed to minor league deals, could help fill in a spot in the lineup. Both guys are left fielders and have plenty of MLB experience. Rivera played with the Los Angeles Dodgers, while Diaz spent time with the Atlanta Braves.
The Yankees will need guys to step up and will look to remain competitive despite missing a big part of their lineup. Small ball will have to be the way to go for this powerless ball club.
