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Granderson's Opening Day Forecast Hinges On Weather

NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) -- Blame it on the rain?

Yankees center fielder Curtis Granderson, taking a page out of Milli Vanilli's songbook, said "if it doesn't rain" he'll be tuning up for Opening Day.

If the outfielder comes through it OK, he might be able to play in Thursday's season opener.

"I've got to get in there and get some game activity," said Granderson.

New York's game against the Tampa Bay Rays was rained out on Monday night. Tuesday's game began under dry skies, but the threat of rain Wednesday could derail Granderson's chances for Opening Day.

"If he gets through those two days, I would think he should be ready to go," manager Joe Girardi said.

Granderson injured his right oblique muscle on his last swing in batting practice last Tuesday. On Monday, Granderson hit in a batting cage for the second consecutive day. Despite the center fielder's proclamation that "everything feels good," Girardi wants to see No. 14 in action.

"So far everything has went in a positive direction, but playing in a game is a bigger step," said Girardi. "You kind of want to see him at full speed. ... We are not there right now so I can't really give you an answer."

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.

Will Granderson be ready for Opening Day? If so, can the ailing outfielder make a contribution? Add your comments to the fray below...

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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