Ichiro starts in center over Granderson
Curtis Granderson relaxes before the game against the Atlanta Braves. (June 12, 2012) Credit: Getty Images
Ichiro Suzuki got the start in centerfield last night in place of Curtis Granderson, who entered the game in a 5-for-41 slump, including 2-for-16 on this trip. Girardi said his motivation was simply to give Granderson a day off but noted that Ichiro had seen Orioles lefthander Joe Saunders “a lot more.’’ Ichiro, who entered the game 13-for-39 against Saunders, hit a long RBI double to center in the second inning. Granderson was 4-for-16 against Saunders.
Mark Teixeira, who missed 10 games with a Grade 1 left calf strain, returned to the lineup. He played first, batted third and had a double in the first inning to set up a run.
Girardi said Derek Jeter likely will be the DH today, with Jayson Nix playing short.
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