Curtis Granderson was hit by a pitch from Toronto’s J.A. Happ in the bottom of the first inning Sunday, his first at-bat of spring training. (Associated Press photo)

Things just got tougher for the New York Yankees.

Already without Alex Rodriguez until at least the All-Star break, the “Evil Empire” suffered another injury Sunday.

Outfielder Curtis Granderson broke his right forearm. He’s expected to be out for 10 weeks.

The former Erie SeaWolves player was hit by a pitch from the Blue Jays’ J.A. Happ in the first inning.

Barring a trade, it looks like Matt Diaz and Juan Rivera would be competing to fill in for Granderson.

Here’s what Granderson, who mashed 43 home runs last season, told reporters after New York’s 2-0 loss:

“Five pitches in we got a little setback,” said Granderson, who was wearing a molded brace. “Now we rest, recovery, get it back, and get ready to play whenever that day comes. Mentally, you understand this is part of it, but at the same time now there’s not much I can do about it except do the best things I can to not make it worse. Keep myself ready to go.”

Last week, the Yankees were tinkering with their outfield, trying out Granderson in left and moving Brett Gardner to center.

Also last week, the Yankees did pick up a victory. A court determined the team owned the phrase “Evil Empire.”

– Rick Green (follow me on Twitter @ETNrgreen)

Could Alex Rodriguez miss the season?

The New York Yankees are considering it a possibility.

“Best case scenario, yeah he should be back. Worst case scenario, he won’t be back, or there might be something in between,” Yankees GM Brian Cashman was quoted in the Associated Press.

I used to cheer for Rodriguez to break Barry Bonds’ home-run record.

Now, I’m rooting for A-Rod to simply go away.

If you think Cashmas is being over-the-top with his comments, consider this: The Yankees signed Kevin Youkilis to play third base. They wouldn’t have gone after such a big name if they didn’t think there was a need.

– Rick Green (follow me on Twitter @ETNrgreen)