Major League Baseball

Yankees' Granderson could miss opening day

Published Mar. 24, 2011 1:16 a.m. ET

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Yankees center fielder Curtis Granderson might not be ready for opening day because of a strained muscle on his right side.

Granderson underwent an MRI exam on Wednesday, which showed a strained internal oblique. He was scratched from the starting lineup for Tuesday game's against Baltimore after getting hurt on his last swing in batting practice.

Granderson has ''slight'' doubt about being ready for the regular-season opener March 31 against Detroit, but added that he would not surprised if the team opted not to have him play.

''I think just because of where we are time-wise,'' Granderson said. ''I, definitely, don't want it now, but at the same time, better now than during the season. The good thing is, no tear, nothing like that. More frustrating than anything.''

Granderson felt better on Wednesday, but has not been given a timetable for when he can resume swinging a bat.

''Normal movement feels fine,'' Granderson said. ''I haven't done anything baseball related, but all (the other) signs are positive.''

Andruw Jones would start in left, with Brett Gardner shifting to center if Granderson is not available. Jones was signed during the offseason to be the fourth outfielder and play against left-handed pitching.

Also, manager Joe Girardi used what could be his lineup against left-handed pitching in Wednesday night's game against Toronto. Derek Jeter hit in the leadoff spot, with Gardner ninth.

The right-handed pitching lineup could have Gardner hitting first, with Jeter in the two-hole.

''It could possibly happen,'' Girardi said. ''It's not unusual to have a one lineup for left-handers and one for right-handers.''

NOTES: Yankees RHP A.J. Burnett allowed four runs and six hits over 5 2-3 innings in a minor league game. He struck out eight and walked three during a 94-pitch outing. ... LHP Pedro Felicino (sore upper left arm) threw 20 pitches in batting practice and expects to pitch in game Friday or Saturday. ... The Yankees optioned INFs Brandon Laird and Kevin Russo, and OF Greg Golson to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. OF Melky Mesa was optioned to Double-A Trenton, while C Jose Gil, INF Jorge Vazquez, and OF Jordan Parraz were sent to the minor league camp.

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