Curtis Granderson Goes Hitless In Return To Yankees

SAN DIEGO (CBSNewYork/AP) — New York Yankees outfielder Curtis Granderson was activated from the 60-day disabled list on Friday.

Granderson, who's been on the DL twice since spring training after being hit by pitches, started in left field and batted fifth Friday night against the San Diego Padres.

He went 0-for-4, and struck out twice on Friday at PETCO Park. The Yankees lost the game 7-2.

To make room for Granderson on the active roster and the 40-man roster, the Yankees optioned Melky Mesa to Triple-A and designated Thomas Neal for assignment.

Granderson was on the DL for a second time this season after breaking a knuckle on his left pinkie when hit by a pitch at Tampa Bay on May 24.

He missed the first 38 games of the season after breaking his right wrist when hit by a pitch by Toronto's J.A. Happ in his first plate appearance of spring training on Feb. 24.

Granderson doesn't think about the injuries when he steps into the batter's box. He's excited to be back with the Bombers.

"It's one of the things where I've been hit before," he said.

"It's not the first time; it definitely won't be the last. We've had some games down in minor league rehab where some balls were inside. I got hit running the bases. The ball's going to hit me at some point of time. I can't play scared or timid. Go out there and just leave it out there."

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