will be the starting center fielder for the New York Yankees.
Manager Joe Girardi made the
announcement before Thursday’s game with Toronto.
The Yankees explored the possibility
of shifting Granderson, a 2009 AL All-Star, to left so the speedy Brett
Gardner could play center. Gardner will play in left.
Girardi says there was “no wrong
decision.”
“They both did a very nice job at both
spots,” Girardi said. “Grandy has played a lot of center field in his
career, and so has Gardy, but we just decided that we were going to go
with Grandy in center. Try not to move him around and put him in one
spot.”
Granderson was obtained from Detroit
in a three-team, seven-player trade last December.
Also, backup catcher Francisco
Cervelli has a left hamstring strain and is not expected to play again
during spring training. Girardi is hopeful that Cervelli can avoid going
onto the disabled list.
“I think it’s nothing serious,” said
Cervelli, who had an MRI exam on Wednesday. “A little pinch. A little
tight. Nothing like pain. We’ll see what happens.”
Right-hander Alfredo Aceves, slowed by
back tightness, was feeling OK one day after a 20-pitch bullpen session
and could pitch on Friday.
The Yankees open the regular season
Sunday night at Boston.