Stewart's odyssey

Backup catcher Chris Stewart drove seven hours from San Francisco to his Southern California home Wednesday. He then flew overnight to join his new team in Florida. "You look tired," general manager Brian Cashman told Stewart, who replied: "I'll be ready [for today's opener]."

Stewart, acquired from the Giants for right-hander George Kontos, is in his third stint with the Yankees – though he's played in only one big league game for the organization (in 2008). "It's not like it's some Podunk team from nowhere trying to get me. It's the New York Yankees," Stewart said.

Manager Joe Girardi called Stewart, 30, a "top defensive" catcher. And Stewart, who caught Ivan Nova's bullpen session Thursday, believes he'll make a quick transition to learn the staff. "I caught a lot of these guys before, so I know what they have," Stewart said.

Catcher Francisco Cervelli was blindsided by his demotion to Class AAA Empire State and the trade for Stewart, but Cashman said Cervelli was not confused by the move. Cervelli had minor league options remaining, Stewart did not, and Class AAA catcher Austin Romine's back injury prompted Cashman to improve depth at an important position. "Now, I don't feel as vulnerable," Cashman said.

Fresh start

Despite a rough spring start, lefty-hitting Raul Ibanez, 39, led the Yankees in camp with three homers. The designated hitter makes his Yankee debut batting seventh (he'll start vs. most right-handers) coming off a 20-homer, 84-RBI season in Philadelphia. "We put a $1.1 million bet that he can do this for us in 2012," Cashman said of Ibanez's salary.

Briefs

Lefty reliever Boone Logan (sore back) said he felt ready to go today after playing catch. Girardi noted the improvement. … Right-handed reliever Cody Eppley was claimed off waivers from the Rangers and assigned to Empire State. Eppley, 26, went 1-1 with an 8.00 ERA in 10 games last year for Texas. … Curtis Granderson has homered in each of his last three opening days, once with Detroit and twice as a Yankee.

— Pete Caldera