"Before leaving Tropicana Field on Wednesday night, Yankees manager Joe Girardi had a feeling that it was time to give Curtis Granderson a breather, especially after watching his center fielder get roughed up the last two days.

But he didn't make up his mind until he called Granderson before tonight's game against the Rays. Granderson said his right shin was fine after fouling a ball off of it on Wednesday night. But when asked about his bat, Granderson asked to take batting practice before giving an answer, a sure sign for Girardi that a day off would help.

"That kind of gave me the heads up that it was sore," Girardi said of Granderson, who took a David Price fastball off his back. "He's just really beat up."

Granderson said the off day was Girardi's call, though he said was available off the bench if needed. He is second in the American League with 26 homers and has arguably been the most productive hitter in the Yankees' lineup."