Swisher, Braden leave game By Sports Network

New York Yankees batter Nick Swisher hits a two-run home run against the Oakland Athletics in the third inning of their MLB American League baseball game at Yankee Stadium in New York, August 31, 2010. (REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine)

BRONX, N.Y. -- New York Yankees right fielder Nick Swisher left Thursday's game against Oakland with stiffness in his left knee.

Swisher grounded to short in the first inning and was replaced to start the top of the second.

Curtis Granderson replaced Swisher in the lineup and took over in center field for Brett Gardner, who moved to left. Austin Kearns shifted from left to right field.

Swisher is batting .295 in 127 games this season with 25 home runs and 80 runs batted in.

Meanwhile, Athletics starting pitcher Dallas Braden left the game in the sixth inning with heat-related cramping.

Temperatures on the field were recorded in excess of 38 degrees Celsius.

The 26-year-old, who pitched a perfect game earlier in the season, was on the disabled list in July due to tightness in his pitching elbow.