Detroit’s Gerald Laird hits a third-inning grand slam during a spring training game in Lakeland, Fla., Wednesday. (AP photo)

LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) — Johnny Damon didn’t get to play Wednesday, but Curtis Granderson made the play of the day in the first meeting between the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers since their winter exchange of outfielders and pitchers.

Granderson’s catch against the center-field wall robbed Miguel Cabrera of at least an RBI double in the fourth inning, keeping the Yankees in the game before Greg Golson hit a two-run home run in the ninth off Phil Dumatrait to give them a 9-8 victory.

‘‘That catch was a dandy, or should I say that was a Grandy?’’ said Tigers manager Jim Leyland.

Detroit’s center fielder for six seasons before he was traded to the Yankees on Dec. 9, Granderson singled in his first two at-bats and also walked.

‘‘On the bus ride over here, I was just wondering how it was going to go, and everything went pretty good,’’ Granderson said. ‘‘I wasn’t really sure what to expect. In spring training they kind of cheer everybody.