Yankees could use Curtis Granderson for the time being

On Tuesday, 37-year-old Curtis Granderson officially cleared waivers. And with the Yankees sudden dearth of available outfielders, perhaps now would be an opportune time to acquire the former three-time All-Star.

No, it’s not a sexy move. It’s certainly not another viable pitcher to pick up the slack for the injured C.C. Sabathia. But trading for Curtis Granderson, a man that had some remarkable moments in the Bronx during his four-year run is something the club needs to explore.

The likelihood of Aaron Judge returning during the three-week timetable the club gave back when he first fractured his right wrist was never going to come to fruition. General manager Brian Cashman admitted as much to Mike Francesa on the radio.

Now unsure how much longer it’ll take the slugger not only to begin taking batting practice, let alone to re-enter the lineup, the Yanks continue to trot out Shane Robinson and Neil Walker to man right field.

For those wondering why Giancarlo Stanton isn’t out there, he’s currently nursing a hamstring strain and the team doesn’t want him to further aggravate it by playing the field.

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In limited time (29 at-bats), Robinson, the nine-year vet has shown little to nothing with the bat — slashing .138/.242/.241 with four hits, four runs scored, one homer and two RBIs. Aside from his dismal line, the one thing Robinson has going for him is that he’s a natural outfielder.

Then there’s everyone’s favorite new utility player (Ronald Torreyes notwithstanding), Neil Walker — who has been relevant enough this season for manager Aaron Boone to find a spot for him in the lineup continually.

Now up to .220/.298/.328 with 36 runs scored, six home runs and 30 RBIs in 259 at-bats, Walker is suddenly the go-to guy in right field because he’s batting almost .350 with an OPS of .907 since July 24 and just so happened to hit two home runs last week.

However, what happened to the importance of playing solid defense?

I mean, I get that having Brett Gardner and Aaron Hicks in the outfield helps take away some of the negative light off of Walker — a man that has played a total of seven games in the outfield during his 10-year big league career (all this season).

But these are the Yankees in the midst of a playoff push, and they’re plugging holes with traditional infielders, and forever bench players! And please, don’t tell me right field in Yankee Stadium is easier to play because of the short porch — that sharp angle down the line and the way the ball juts off the wall are treacherous, to say the least.

While I’d love for Clint Frazier to be free of his post-concussion symptoms, or a deal for Adam Jones or Andrew McCutchen to come to light — none are likely to happen anytime soon. Leaving Granderson and what’s remaining of his $1.28 million salary before hitting free agency this winter as the most viable option.

Though it’s unfair to harken back to the Grandy Man’s 2011 season, when he finished fourth in the AL MVP race, he knows what it’s like to succeed on a big stage when the pressure is at its peak, even now, at his advanced age.

In 264 at-bats vs. right-handed pitching this season, Granderson’s 11 homers and .774 OPS is higher than the likes of Greg Bird, Brett Gardner and Gary Sanchez.

Since Granderson doesn’t see the light of day against left-handers anymore, the Yanks would need to keep Walker out there until Judge returns, unless of course, he’s manning first base for Bird.

Playing on a World Series loser in two of the past three season’s may be all the motivation Grandy needs to return to the Bronx with a bang. And for the time being, he’d add a legit left-handed power bat capable of playing an excellent right field while also bringing some veteran leadership to the clubhouse.

What more could you possibly want while we wait for the return of the mighty Judge?