Yankees rumors: Options to replace Curtis Granderson

The New York Yankees experienced their first significant injury of the 2013 season yesterday, losing outfielder Curtis Granderson until May after his forearm was fractured. While the pickings are slim, the Yankees do have several potential options to fill in for Granderson.

The Yankees have said that they will first examine in-house candidates, including Matt Diaz and Juan Rivera. Both were signed to minor league contracts this offseason to compete for reserve positions prior to Granderson's injury. Now they will each have a shot to earn significant playing time in his absence.

Beyond Diaz and Rivera, the Yankees could also look to minor leaguers Zoilo Almonte and Melky Mesa, according to Jack Curry of The YES Network. Almonte has only played in the minors, while Mesa made his major league debut last season, collecting a pair of plate appearances over three games.

If the Yankees elect to look to free agency and/or the trade market, there is not much to choose from at this point in the offseason. Veteran options Johnny Damon, Bobby Abreu and Scott Podsednik are still available. Grady Sizemore is also unsigned, but it's not clear when he'll be ready to ink a new deal as he continues to rehab his injury.

Alfonso Soriano and Vernon Wells have been listed as potential targets for the Yankees, but both players have said they would prefer to continue competing with their current clubs.

New York could decide to wait out the situation while reviewing internal options, and Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors listed several potential fits that are either out of options or competing for a roster spot. Several notables include Jordan Schafer, Jose Tabata, Xavier Paul, Julio Borbon, Dewayne Wise, Eric Thames, Austin Kearns, Darnell McDonald and Travis Buck.