New York Yankees News & Notes 2/25: Granderson, Game Three Preview, Mariano, Jeter

As the New York Yankees move on without Curtis Granderson for the next 10 weeks or so, let’s take a look back at a tumultuous 24 hours.

February 24, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees center fielder

(14) reacts after he was hit in the fore arm by a pitch during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Game Two Recap: The Yankees lost 2-0 to the Toronto Blue Jays but obviously the bigger story was Granderson’s fractured forearm. I will say though, that I liked how Kevin Youkilis and Robinson Cano swung the bat yesterday. I thought the ball really jumped off of Ronnier Mustelier‘s bat and I was impressed with Preston Claiborne‘s stuff out of the bullpen.

Replacing Granderson: As far as replcaing Granderson, for now, it will be in house. Mustelier will get a look as will Zoilo Almonte and Melky Mesa, before he goes and plays in the WBC. The rumors that popped up about the Yankees trading for Alfonso Soriano or Vernon Wells are entirely possible, however, they won’t do anything right now. If I had to guess, I would say Juan Rivera is the opening day left fielder, with either Mesa or an outfielder who’s out of options with another organization being the fourth outfielder

BP for Mariano: Mariano Rivera threw a 32 pitch batting practice session earlier this morning. He felt good, but he is probably about two weeks from pitching in a game. He’s going to pitch a simulated game and do some fielding drills before he pitches in a game.

Jeter’s Debut: In other Yankees returning from injury news, Derek Jeter will make his return (barring any setbacks) to the Yankee lineup on March 10. He will DH at first and then play the field later on.

Game Three Preview: The Yankees head to Sarasota to take on the Baltimore Orioles. Here is the lineup:

Brett Gardner CF

Jayson Nix 2B

Matt Diaz DH

Juan Rivera RF

Francisco Cervelli C

Melky Mesa LF

Dan Johnson 3B

Gil Velazquez SS

Kyle Roller 1B

Vidal Nuno P

The game is at 1:05 on mlb.tv with the Orioles broadcast. A re-airing of the game will be on at 9pm on MLB Network and will be available in New York for those of you who live in NY.