Curtis Granderson back, Randy Winn DFA'd

Today, the Yankees activated center fielder Curtis Granderson from the disabled list. Granderson has been the DL for nearly 4 weeks after he strained his groin on May 2nd while running the bases. Granderson could not be back at a better time. With a struggling Yankee offense, injuries, and the Rays running away with the division, the Yankees can only hope that Granderson can spark the offense to a win tonight against the Cleveland Indians. Joe Girardi placed Granderson in the second slot in in the lineup, a spot which now left fielder, Brett Gardner, held down while Granderson was out.

However, in order to activate Granderson the Yankees had to make a corresponding move. Rather than optioning either Ramiro Pena or Kevin Russo to AAA, the Yankees instead designated Randy Winn for assignment. They have 10 days to trade him, release him, or send him to the minors. Due to the strong play and versatility of Russo recently, the Yankees opted to release the aged veteran. I wasn't surprised that this is what they chose to do. Winn had a .213 batting average and was basically useless for the Yankees and couldn't adjust to a bench role. Best of luck to him elsewhere.

Tonight's match up pins the Yankees' Phil Hughes against the Indians' Fausto Carmona, who has seemed to revert to his 2007 self that won 19 games. A match up of two of the best pitchers in the American League right now, and the return of Granderson. First pitch at 7:05 PM!