Girardi happy to be getting Granderson back

MINNEAPOLIS - Curtis Granderson is expected to be activated from the disabled list in time for tonight's game against the Indians, and Joe Girardi said the Yankees have been missing plenty in his absence.

"We've had to shuffle around our outfield. Guys have played more than what they're expected," he said. "You miss an impactful bat. He had some pretty big hits. You miss good defense. You miss a lot when he's gone."

Granderson's return will enable Brett Gardner, who has played every day while Granderson has been out with a groin strain, to get a rest. It also gives Girardi another option in the two-hole. "He brings pop, he brings speed and he's a pull hitter," Girardi said of Granderson.

When Granderson is activated, Kevin Russo, still with options, could be sent down to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Posada feeling better

Jorge Posada, on the DL with a hairline fracture in his right foot, saw team doctor Chris Ahmad Thursday, but Girardi said it was too soon to give a timetable on his return.

"He does feel better,'' he said, "but feeling better sitting around and feeling better and actually doing a lot are two different things."

Cellar dwelling

Friday night against the Indians is the start of the soft underbelly of the Yankees' schedule. After four games against Cleveland, the Yankees play three against the Orioles, three against the Blue Jays, three more against the Orioles and three against the Astros.

"To me, I look at it as every team can beat you," Girardi said. "That's just baseball."

Extra bases

With the team not scheduled to arrive home until about 4 a.m. this morning, the Yankees sent Phil Hughes, tonight's starter, and CC Sabathia, tomorrow afternoon's starter, back to New York before last night's game . . . Girardi said Alfredo Aceves had therapy on his back Thursday and that it still is too soon to say whether the reliever will need surgery.