|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Mar 21, 2024 5:35:48 GMT -5
Injuries & Moves: Peraza, Kahnle making progress March 20th, 2024
MLB.com LATEST NEWS
• All Yankees transactions INJURY UPDATES
INF Oswald Peraza (right sub-scapular strain) Expected return: April/May Peraza has been feeling “really good” and is expected to resume hitting in the coming days, manager Aaron Boone said on March 20. Boone added that a more complete test will come when Peraza resumes throwing. He’d initially been advised to take three to four weeks off without tossing.
Peraza underwent an MRI on March 7 and a dye-contrast arthrogram on March 8, which showed a strain in the 23-year-old’s shoulder. His shoulder issues began on Feb. 25, though he returned to the lineup on March 5, playing two games before being shut down again. (Last updated: March 20)
RHP Tommy Kahnle (right shoulder inflammation) Expected return: April Kahnle could appear in Grapefruit League games before the Yankees break camp, manager Aaron Boone said on March 20. Kahnle had previously said that he was unlikely to pitch in games before the first week of the regular season.
The right shoulder inflammation that ended Kahnle’s 2023 season delayed his winter throwing program, as he said that he pushed his work back from Thanksgiving to Dec. 12 due to lingering discomfort. (Last updated: March 20)
INF DJ LeMahieu (bruised right foot) Expected return: TBD LeMahieu might not be ready for Opening Day after sustaining what manager Aaron Boone described as “a pretty significant bone bruise” from fouling a ball off his right foot on March 16. LeMahieu said on March 20 that though it is still painful to walk, he is not ruling out being ready for the March 28 opener in Houston.
“I’ve had a good Spring Training. I’ve had plenty of at-bats,” LeMahieu said. “It’s not going to take me much. I’m pretty much ready already. That’s pretty much my goal.”
LeMahieu relayed soreness when he reported to the Yankees’ facility on March 17. An X-ray and CT scan came back clean, and LeMahieu also consulted with a specialist on March 18. Boone said that LeMahieu would be re-evaluated on March 21.
“On a foot that’s had some issues for him, I’m not going to have him playing through anything initially,” Boone said. “I feel like that’s where you start compensating and putting other parts of the body and that foot in jeopardy. I’ve been clear with DJ on that.” (Last updated: March 20)
OF Aaron Judge (abdominal discomfort) Expected return: March 20 Judge returned to the starting lineup for the Yankees' March 20 game against the Pirates, as planned, following a bout of abdominal discomfort that the 2022 AL MVP battled for much of this month.
Boone noted that Judge performed well against high-velocity pitching machines on March 17 and against simulated breaking balls on March 18.
“We’ve been cautious,” Boone said. “We don’t want this to turn into something real, which I think is smart.”
Judge underwent an MRI exam, which was clean, on March 11 after reporting that he had been feeling discomfort for about a week, mostly on the follow-through of his swings. Judge went through defensive workouts on March 12 and underwent treatment on March 13.
Judge performed weight room and tee-and-toss cage work on March 15. Though Boone said that Judge was “penciled in” to resume play on March 16, Judge was not in the lineup. He performed defensive work and hit indoors on March 18.
“All I’ll say is we’re feeling pretty good,” Judge said. “The MRIs came back clean. I think a lot of it was precautionary; no need to risk stuff in Spring Training. ... The main goal is to be game ready for Opening Day, so we’re just going to work toward that." (Last updated: March 20)
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Mar 21, 2024 20:13:59 GMT -5
Breaking down top options to be Yankees' fifth starter 4:22 PM ADT Bryan Hoch
Bryan Hoch @bryanhoch
This story was excerpted from Bryan Hoch’s Yankees Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
TAMPA, Fla. -- One half of the mystery created by Gerrit Cole’s right elbow injury has been solved, as the Yankees anointed Nestor Cortes as their Opening Day starter for March 28 against the Astros at Minute Maid Park.
With Carlos Rodón, Marcus Stroman and Clarke Schmidt in line to follow Cortes, a significant decision remains to identify the fifth starter. It is a call that manager Aaron Boone indicated could take until the end of Spring Training.
“It’s still coming down to this last week for a few guys,” Boone said. “I would say that there’s probably a couple of guys that have clearly put themselves in the frontrunner position of that. But it’s four or five guys still in that mix … and certainly at different points of possibility.”
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said that conversations and debates are already underway.
“We have a number of different choices to consider, and that’s a good thing, right?” Cashman said. “A number of people have thrown well.”
Here is a closer look at the candidates in play.
RHP Clayton Beeter, 25
2023 stats: 9-7, 3.62 ERA in 27 games (26 starts) for Double-A Somerset and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre; in 131 2/3 innings, permitted 54 runs (53 earned) and 105 hits, with 75 walks and 165 strikeouts
Spring 2024 stats: 3.46 ERA in four games (two starts); in 13 innings, permitted five earned runs and 12 hits, with four walks and 13 strikeouts
What to know: Acquired from the Dodgers in the August 2022 Joey Gallo trade, the hard-throwing Beeter is rated as the Yankees’ No. 14 prospect by MLB Pipeline. Catcher Jose Trevino has raved about Beeter, advising him to trust his fastball and slider. Boone wants to see Beeter throw more strikes but likes his deception, saying that “you can tell guys don’t get great swings off him all the time.”
RHP Luis Gil, 25
2023 stats: 11.25 ERA in two starts for Single-A Tampa; in four innings, permitted five earned runs and six hits, with three walks and six strikeouts
Spring 2024 stats: 2-0 with a 2.31 ERA in four games (two starts); in 11 2/3 innings, permitted three earned runs and five hits, with four walks and 18 strikeouts
What to know: Though Gil was optioned to the Minors on March 3, he has re-entered the mix in the wake of Cole’s injury. Appearing to be fully recovered from Tommy John surgery, Gil has flashed some of the most dominant stuff in camp, including a high-octane fastball that Boone described as “elite.” Gil’s slider is still sharp, and his improving changeup has been a difference-maker.
RHP Cody Poteet, 29
2023 stats: 0.00 ERA in one start (two innings) for Triple-A Omaha (Royals)
Spring 2024 stats: 2.35 ERA in four games; in 7 2/3 innings, permitted two earned runs and seven hits, with one walk and seven strikeouts
What to know: The Yankees like what they’ve seen from Poteet, with pitching coach Matt Blake highlighting the 29-year-old’s four-pitch mix and polish. Though Poteet hasn’t pitched in the Majors since 2022 due to recovery from Tommy John surgery, he could make the club as a swingman. Boone recently said that he feels like Poteet is “a guy who can help us.”
RHP Will Warren, 24
2023 stats: 10-4, 3.35 ERA in 27 games (25 starts) for Double-A Somerset and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre; in 129 innings, permitted 60 runs (48 earned) and 109 hits, with 59 walks and 149 strikeouts
Spring 2024 stats: 2-1, 4.35 ERA in four games (two starts); in 10 1/3 innings, permitted nine runs (five earned) and 15 hits, with three walks and 13 strikeouts
What to know: Rated as the Yanks’ No. 8 prospect by MLB Pipeline, a nine-run first inning on St. Patrick’s Day was not a death knell for Warren’s chances of making the team. Quite the opposite, as decision-makers were impressed by how he retired eight of 10 after the disastrous frame. Boone has lauded Warren’s “competitive edge,” noting that he looks like a big leaguer. Warren is not on the 40-man roster. Get the latest from the Yankees
Have the latest news, ticket information, and more from the Yankees and MLB delivered right to your inbox.
RHP Luke Weaver, 30
2023 stats: 3-6, 6.40 ERA in 29 games (25 starts) for Reds, Mariners and Yankees; in 123 2/3 innings, permitted 90 runs (88 earned) and 155 hits, with 40 walks and 109 strikeouts
Spring 2024 stats: 1-0, 4.15 ERA in four games (two starts); in 8 2/3 innings, permitted four earned runs and nine hits, with two walks and five strikeouts
What to know: Weaver has the most sizable commitment of this group, guaranteed $2 million for this season, which indicates he’ll be on the roster either as a starter or reliever. Weaver made three starts for the Yanks last September, when he posted a 3.38 ERA while striking out 16 over 13 1/3 innings. Cashman said that Weaver “has been there and done that,” and Weaver said he is comfortable in any role.
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Mar 21, 2024 20:14:58 GMT -5
Cortes battles tough Braves lineup in his final spring tune-up 5:36 PM ADT Matthew Ritchie
Matthew Ritchie @mkrwrt
0:19
0:22
NORTH PORT, Fla. -- When manager Aaron Boone announced that Nestor Cortes would be the Opening Day starter for the Yankees when they open their 2024 campaign against the Astros, the decision was marred by the news that Gerrit Cole would miss an extended amount of time at the beginning of the season.
Now, after the shock of that news has dissipated, Boone reiterated his confidence in Cortes on Thursday ahead of his final tune-up appearance of Spring Training against the Braves.
“He’s really looked really good to me,” Boone said. “I think it goes back to getting back to the end of the season where he was throwing, and we kept rolling him into the offseason to the point where he got on the mound in his throwing progression. … Everything’s gone really well.
“That was evident when I got down here, getting to see him -- his stuff just looked like Nestor’s.”
In his final start of the spring, Cortes tossed four-plus innings, striking out three hitters while allowing three runs on six hits (one home run) and two walks. Squaring off against what will likely be the Braves’ starting lineup when the season begins, the lefty attempted to navigate the mechanisms of last year’s historic offense with varied success in the Yankees’ 5-2 defeat.
Cortes allowed just two baserunners through the first three frames, retiring seven consecutive batters at one point. He ran into trouble in the fourth inning, after the leadoff walk came around to score following back-to-back singles, before exiting in the fifth without recording an out.
But it’s just Spring Training, where stats matter a bit less than the process behind gearing up for the regular season. And despite the tough ending to his camp in the box score (0-2, 7.71 ERA in four starts), Cortes feels confident about where he stands heading into Opening Day -- especially after notching strikeouts against the likes of Matt Olson (twice) and Ronald Acuña Jr.
“Coming in here, knowing I was going to face their ‘A’ lineup, it was kind of like a tune-up for Houston,” Cortes said. “I don’t think Houston is any different from them, in terms of firepower. So it was pretty good coming in here and facing those guys.
“Every outing I’ve come into this spring has felt super normal for me, as to what it was pre-2023. … Today was my first time going [into the fifth inning] in spring. Next time, hopefully five or six again and keep building off that.”
Stanton crushes THREE home runs in power show for Yanks
From the outset, Cortes felt comfortable with the ability to command the entirety of his arsenal, putting a greater focus on precision and throwing to specific areas of the strike zone. In the grand scheme of things, both he and his manager believed it was a successful outing heading into Opening Day.
“I thought he was really good where he needed to be, at the top of the zone, or just above,” Boone said. “I thought the cutter was good today, the way he moved it around. Probably got a little tired at the end there, maybe? … I thought it was good, thought he was pretty sharp.”
Pitching battles not settled just yet Prior to Thursday’s game against the Braves, Boone was asked about the status of the competitions for the final spots in the bullpen, a battle that has to consider what happens in the rotation.
“A lot of that depends on who we do end up choosing for that [fifth rotation] slot,” Boone said. “The rules to start the season, different guys’ situations, contractually and [Minor League] options, all those things kind of factor into the puzzle a little bit. With Tommy Kahnle likely back very early in the season, you got to factor that in. … It’s not as simple as ‘here’s our [guys].’ Get the latest from the Yankees
Have the latest news, ticket information, and more from the Yankees and MLB delivered right to your inbox.
“A little more thought goes into it, obviously. But we’re getting close, I mean we’ve certainly got it narrowed down to a handful of guys.”
Boone said right-hander Luis Gil is slated to start Friday’s Grapefruit League action against the Mets, with right-hander Will Warren also scheduled for innings of work. Both are considered options for the final rotation spot, with Gil potentially slotting into a multi-innings role in the bullpen as well, with less than a week of camp left.
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Mar 23, 2024 6:28:10 GMT -5
Injuries & Moves: Rizzo scratched from lineup (lat) March 22nd, 2024
MLB.com
LATEST NEWS
March 22: 1B Anthony Rizzo scratched from lineup (lat) Rizzo was scratched from the Yankees’ Grapefruit League lineup Friday against the Mets due to a tight latissimus dorsi, the club announced. Rizzo was replaced at first base by Luis Torrens.
“I know it’s going to ring some alarms, but I’ll be fine,” Rizzo said. “Honestly, it’s just being smart. It’s not putting yourself in a position to have to be hurt. I’m fully confident that I’ll be there Opening Day.”
March 22: LHP Clayton Andrews optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Andrews was 1-0 with a 9.53 ERA in five Grapefruit League appearances. In 5 2/3 innings, he permitted six earned runs and six hits, with three walks and six strikeouts.
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Mar 23, 2024 16:21:55 GMT -5
Injuries & Moves: Updates on Rizzo, LeMahieu 8 minutes ago MLB.com
LATEST NEWS March 23: 1B Anthony Rizzo (tight latissimus dorsi muscle) has 'pretty good day' Rizzo hasn’t played since March 20, but Yankees manager Aaron Boone thinks he'll be ready for Opening Day on March 28 against the Astros.
“It seemed like he had a pretty good day today, and a good morning after he came in here and got treatment," said Boone. "He felt pretty good about it. So, pretty hopeful there. I don’t think [missing Opening Day in Houston] is going to be the case, though."
• All Yankees transactions
INJURY UPDATES INF DJ LeMahieu (bruised right foot) Expected return: Possibly Opening Day LeMahieu, who has been out since fouling a ball off his foot March 16, continues to improve and said he is optimistic about being ready for Opening Day on March 28 in Houston, though manager Aaron Boone was more circumspect.
“I’m progressing, and so hopefully, I’ll be ready to go,” LeMahieu said prior to sitting out the March 23 game against the Phillies in Tampa, Fla.
When asked what he can and can’t do at this point, LeMahieu said, “I’m just kind of slowly getting through baseball stuff right now -- mostly training room stuff. But I’m trying to work out as much as I can -- staying ready.”
Boone said LeMahieu "got out on the field, took some grounders. Got back in the [batting] cage back-to-back days. But he’s still feeling it pretty good. I do think it’s improving every day -- just seeing his gait walking in looked better to me. Will it be in time? We’ll see.” (Last updated: March 23)
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Mar 24, 2024 6:34:06 GMT -5
Cabrera on a heater as Spring Training winds down March 23rd, 2024
Steve Kornacki
0:19
0:26
TAMPA, Fla. -- Yankees utility man Oswaldo Cabrera launched a two-run homer in Saturday’s 6-6 tie with the Phillies at George M. Steinbrenner Field, his second homer in six days. He’s hot, and he could be in Thursday’s Opening Day starting lineup in Houston if third baseman DJ LeMahieu’s bruised right foot needs a bit more time.
“I’m excited that the last two weeks, he’s really swinging the bat well,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone. “Just good at-bats. The first few weeks of camp, he was struggling offensively a little bit.
“And coming on the heels of last year, when it was a struggle for him offensively, getting some traction here over the last two weeks is nice. Because he’s really valuable defensively. He’s got a little bit of a presence with the bat [now] and can be very valuable. So that’s been nice to see.”
Cabrera, who batted .211 with five homers and 29 RBIs in 298 at-bats in 2023, was batting .043 on March 9. He got three hits in his next game, and he's batting .375 since.
“I’m just working, working, working -- all day on every aspect of hitting,” said Cabrera, 25. “I’m trying to get more consistency. I like where my swing’s at so much, and the progress off of all we’ve been doing since the off-season.
“I’m excited for what’s coming.” Your browser does not support HTML5 video tag.
Cabrera played 100 games in either left or right field last season, but he also had 15 games at third, and he played every position except catcher and pitcher. Cabrera works out at seven positions with four gloves: outfield, middle infield, third and first.
“I work with the same energy at every position,” Cabrera said. “It’s not easy. But at the same time, it’s fun for me. Every rep counts and is done for a purpose. I’m trying to get better and help the team win.”
Cabrera was all smiles while handing his baseball bag to a Yankees worker to be loaded for the team’s Saturday night flight to Mexico City for split-squad exhibition games Sunday and Monday against Diablos Rojos del México.
“I’m so excited” said Cabrera, a native of Guarenas, Venezuela. “I played in Mexico in 2014 for a Venezuelan team. Baseball means a lot for the people there, and so it will be fun. Representing the Yankees is even more fun.
“And there are a lot of Yankees fans in Mexico. They have to be so excited.”
Boone is taking three starters on the trip: catcher Jose Trevino, shortstop Anthony Volpe and outfielder/DH Giancarlo Stanton. Top pitchers traveling are Jonathan Loáisiga and Victor González of Tuxpan, Mexico.
Rodón, Poteet, Beeter pitching updates It was a rough day for both Yankees starters in split-squad games.
Carlos Rodón, who threw 5 2/3 innings of no-hit ball against the Phillies the last time he faced them Monday, allowed six runs (five earned) on seven hits and one walk in four innings against them Saturday. He struck out two.
Rodón had allowed just five runs in his four previous starts and entered with a 2.93 ERA -- displaying improvement after going 3-8 with a 6.85 ERA in 14 starts with the Yankees in 2023.
“He’s in a good space physically,” Boone said of Rodón. “I thought even today, he threw the ball all right. A couple weird plays not going his way, but he got hit a little bit, too. But the biggest thing is, I think his stuff’s in a good place right now. … Pretty good spring, for the most part. He’s laid a nice foundation to be successful.”
Rodón said, “The competitor in me, I want to win, and I’m frustrated with the results today. Luckily, they don’t count. But now they will. The slider was a little off; it wasn’t great. I threw some better ones late, but I wished I would’ve found the slider earlier.”
Cody Poteet had also been impressive in four previous Grapefruit League outings, posting a 2.35 ERA with seven strikeouts and one walk in 7 2/3 innings. However, the Tigers roughed him up in Lakeland in Detroit’s 11-6 victory. Your browser does not support HTML5 video tag.
Poteet yielded two-run homers to Parker Meadows and Carson Kelly. He allowed eight runs on eight hits with three walks and two strikeouts in 2 1/3 innings.
Poteet is one of five candidates for the fifth spot in the starting rotation.
Clayton Beeter, another possibility for that role, had a good outing. He allowed one run on three hits over four innings, striking out four with two walks.
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Mar 24, 2024 18:09:26 GMT -5
Stroman's deep arsenal on full display in final spring start 7:02 PM ADT
Steve Kornacki
0:24
0:54
BRADENTON, Fla. -- Yankees right-hander Marcus Stroman was sharp Sunday, featuring his six-pitch repertoire over six scoreless innings in a 1-0 win over the Pirates at LECOM Park.
Stroman is listed at 5-foot-7, 180 pounds, but he carries himself in the manner of Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez, who pitched at 5-11, 170 pounds.
“Watching Pedro, being undersized, he was someone I used to watch a lot of video on," Stroman said. "His confidence, his demeanor. It’s something I always idolized. I’m the most confident out there. I might be the littlest, but I swear I feel like I’m 7 foot, throwing 100 mph when I’m out there on the mound -- regardless of how my stuff plays.”
And in this outing, it played great. Stroman allowed four hits with two walks and notched five strikeouts. Your browser does not support HTML5 video tag.
“He’s a pitcher,” said Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus, who managed this split-squad game. “He commands both sides of the plate. He’s got multiple weapons. He can make the ball move in at least two, sometimes 2 1/2 directions. And it’s like -- insert swear word [for batters].”
Hitters like to eliminate the pitches hurlers aren’t sharp with on a given day. But Stroman throws so many that he keeps them guessing no matter what.
“Everyone knows I’m going to throw sinkers,” Stroman said of the pitch he threw 46 percent of the time in 2023, according to Statcast. “I’m starting to flash a really good four-seamer that guys don’t have in the scouting report.”
The four-seam fastball -- a primary pitch for many starters -- is something Stroman threw only 8 percent of the time last year. Increasing the likelihood of that pitch coming should significantly help keep batters off balance. Your browser does not support HTML5 video tag.
Stroman threw two slurves, a cutter, a four-seamer and a splitter to Rowdy Tellez in the fourth inning -- getting him to wave at a second slurve for the strikeout.
The Pirates had their best scoring opportunity when Jared Triolo lined a double leading off the fifth. Oneil Cruz moved him to third base with a groundout.
That’s when Stroman did his best pitching. He threw Andrew McCutchen two sinkers, one slider and two splitters, then got him to go down swinging on his second slider of the at-bat.
Then Ke’Bryan Hayes -- son of Charlie Hayes, who caught the final out of the Yankees’ 1996 World Series clincher -- got two splitters and two sinkers and went down swinging on the first slider he saw.
Inning over.
“I’m someone who believes very confidently in all my stuff,” said Stroman. “If a catcher’s putting down a pitch, I usually feel I can execute it. And knowing those situations, you’re obviously trying to put a little extra emphasis on finishing your pitches and getting them to the spot that you need them to be, because those guys are elite hitters.
“So I just made quality pitches when I needed to. … When I’m on and fluid, I’m usually pretty dangerous on the mound.”
Stroman definitely looked ready for his first regular-season start Saturday in Houston.
“My mechanics were the best they’ve been all spring,” noted Stroman, who has a 2.61 ERA over five Grapefruit League starts. “That’s what I’m happiest with.”
“He was extremely efficient -- especially early on,” said Ausmus.
This is the first season with the Yankees for Stroman, a two-time All-Star and a 2017 American League Gold Glove Award winner with the Blue Jays. Stroman -- 77-76 with a 3.65 ERA over nine seasons -- signed a two-year contract worth $37 million in January, with a player option for a third year.
When told Luis Gil, from the Dominican Republic, was announced Sunday as the fifth starter by Yankees manager Aaron Boone, Stroman smiled and said, “I’ve always been a fan of Gil -- even before the Yankees. I kept in touch. He’s always been a fan of myself. We’ve always been keeping in touch on Instagram. So to see him in the rotation and healthy is awesome. He can go out there and dominate.”
How did they connect?
“A lot of Latin guys love me, man,” said Stroman, 32. “I’m Latin, and so I’ve connected with a lot of Latins around the league. And there are so many guys who say that I’m one of their favorite pitchers because of the flair and confidence I pitch with.
“I still feel like a young guy in this game. So it’s weird anytime a young guy comes up to me and says I’m one of their big players or they look up to. It’s so very humbling to me. It’s awesome to be reminded sometimes of how good I’ve been in the past and guys looking at me as a role model.”
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Mar 24, 2024 18:10:34 GMT -5
Gil named Yankees' No. 5 starter after dazzling spring 5:27 PM ADT Bryan Hoch
Bryan Hoch @bryanhoch
0:09
0:33
MEXICO CITY -- Luis Gil’s dominant spring has secured a place for the right-hander as the Yankees’ No. 5 starter, manager Aaron Boone confirmed on Sunday.
Gil earned a spot after ace Gerrit Cole’s right elbow injury pushed the club’s other four starters up in the pecking order, with Nestor Cortes set to start the season opener on Thursday against the Astros in Houston. He’ll be followed by Carlos Rodón, Marcus Stroman and Clarke Schmidt.
“I’m excited about the options that we have,” Boone said. “Obviously you never want to see Gerrit go down, but I’m excited about the people that emerged and legitimately put their name in that conversation up until late. I feel like the way Luis is throwing the ball, really from the jump, he’s certainly earned that with how he’s performed. We continue to be really excited about what he can be as a starting pitcher.”
Boone said that Gil was informed of the decision on Friday in Tampa, Fla., by general manager Brian Cashman and pitching coach Matt Blake.
The 25-year-old Gil wrapped his spring Friday with four innings of two-run, two-hit ball against the Mets. In 15 2/3 Grapefruit League innings across five games (three starts), Gil permitted five runs (2.87 ERA) and seven hits, walking six and striking out a team-leading 23.
Gil edged a group of candidates that included right-hander Will Warren, the club’s No. 8 prospect according to MLB Pipeline. Others in competition included Clayton Beeter, Cody Poteet and Luke Weaver.
The Yankees optioned Poteet, Ron Marinaccio and Nick Ramirez to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Sunday and reassigned Warren to Minor League camp. Warren is likely to begin the season at Triple-A.
“I think Will’s got a bright future as a starting pitcher in this league,” Boone said. “I’m sure there’s a great chance you’ll see him sooner rather than later, too.”
Boone said that Gil proved to be further along than anticipated from the Tommy John surgery that cost him most of the 2022 and ’23 seasons, noting that Gil’s developing changeup has complemented his electric fastball and slider combination.
“I’m excited about where he was health-wise, but I didn’t necessarily expect him to be that far along from a polish standpoint,” Boone said. “He’s done a great job.”
It remains to be seen how many starts Gil will make, but for the moment, there will be no redux of the “Joba Rules” -- the Yankees' attempt to preserve the arm of prized youngster Joba Chamberlain. Boone said that Gil will not be placed on an innings limit.
“The way we’re able to monitor and measure guys’ output, what they’re able to do not only on the mound but between starts, it gives us a more clear idea than in the past,” Boone said. “We’re in a better position to make better calls on that.”
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Mar 24, 2024 18:11:42 GMT -5
Injuries & Moves: LeMahieu doubtful for opener; roster trimmed 5:31 PM ADT
LATEST NEWS
March 24: Optioned RHP Cody Poteet, RHP Ron Marinaccio and LHP Nick Ramirez to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre; reassigned RHP Will Warren to Minor League camp Warren and Poteet were in the mix for the fifth starter’s job that went to Luis Gil on Sunday. Of Warren, the Yanks’ No. 8 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, manager Aaron Boone said that “Will’s got a bright future as a starting pitcher in this league.” Warren was 3-1 with a 3.52 ERA in five Grapefruit League games (two starts).
• All Yankees transactions INJURY UPDATES
INF DJ LeMahieu (bruised right foot) Expected return: TBD LeMahieu, who has been out since fouling a ball off his foot March 16, is a "long shot" to be ready for Opening Day, manager Aaron Boone said on March 24.
“DJ is still not there,” Boone said in Mexico City. “He did some more things today but is still pretty sore and dealing with it. He’s probably a little more of a long shot for Opening Day, but we’ll see. As days go off the calendar, it just depends on how he improves every day.”
Boone's comment came a day after LeMahieu expressed optimism that he'd be available for the March 28 opener against the Astros in Houston.
“I’m progressing, and so hopefully, I’ll be ready to go,” LeMahieu said on March 23. When asked what he can and can’t do at this point, LeMahieu said, “I’m just kind of slowly getting through baseball stuff right now -- mostly training room stuff. But I’m trying to work out as much as I can -- staying ready.” (Last updated: March 24)
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Mar 25, 2024 5:24:47 GMT -5
A dream comes true as Yankees meet 'Yankees of Mexico' March 24th, 2024 Bryan Hoch
Bryan Hoch @bryanhoch
0:23
0:24
MEXICO CITY -- It was two offseasons ago that Giancarlo Stanton had his passport stamped during a trip to Mexico City, a place about which he’d heard “great things” and wanted to experience for himself. He toured the historic pyramids of Teotihuacán, then sampled a selection of restaurants that somehow improved upon the cultural flavors he’d loved as a kid in Los Angeles.
Gil named Yankees' No. 5 starter after dazzling spring
Everywhere Stanton went, including a Bad Bunny concert, he spotted men and women wearing caps with a certain famous interlocking "NY." The experience sparked this germ of an idea: What if the Yankees could play here? It became reality on Sunday, as the “Bombarderos” sported their pinstripes in the opener of a two-game exhibition series against the Diablos Rojos del México at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú.
“It was pretty awesome out there,” Stanton said after the Yankees’ 4-3 loss. “The atmosphere was great throughout the game. I feel like the fans were engaged the whole time; they were excited. It was fun.”
A festive, enthusiastic crowd chanted, clapped and whirled noisemakers throughout the event. Everyone scored something to remember: Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera tossed a ceremonial first pitch to the Diablos Rojos’ Robinson Canó, who later cleared the right-field wall with a fourth-inning homer off Tanner Tully.
“It didn’t feel like a Spring Training game,” said catcher Jose Trevino. “I felt like this was a game-game. We were playing a baseball game.”
Stanton likened the energy to the World Baseball Classic, and indeed, it felt that way. Saturday’s contest marked the Yankees’ first visit to Mexico City since March 1968, Mickey Mantle’s final season with the club. It was not anyone’s run-of-the-mill, four-days-‘til-Opening Day spring snoozer.
“Anytime we can bring the pinstripes and the ‘NY’ to a country like Mexico, and bring attention to this game of baseball that we all love,” said manager Aaron Boone, “I think it’s a big deal all around. I certainly understand how big a deal it is in Mexico City and beyond. I’m excited to be a part of it.”
It was an appropriate pairing: The Diablos Rojos are frequently referred to as the “Yankees of Mexico,” as the two teams hold the most titles in their leagues. The 41-year-old Cano, playing more now for love of the game than hope of a return to the Majors, noted: “There’s a lot of Yankee fans here. Everywhere I go, there’s always at least one person who comes to say hi.”
Omar Minaya, a senior advisor of baseball operations with the Yankees, said that Stanton’s influence in spurring the Mexico City trip was “huge.” Talk of the trip began circulating throughout the front office last summer, with Trevino also among those driving the conversation.
“This was led by the players, and then we as an organization followed through with it,” Minaya said. “Nobody thought it could happen, and we made it happen. This is not only a Yankee-Diablos game. This is an event.”
Ideally, the Yankees could have brought their entire roster to Mexico City. Minaya said that was logistically impossible, since the Spring Training schedule was already set when the Yankees and the Diablos Rojos finalized their series in January. That schedule had the Yankees playing against the Pirates and Mets in Florida; Minaya said that waiting for clear dates would have pushed the Mexico City series to 2025. Get the latest from the Yankees
Have the latest news, ticket information, and more from the Yankees and MLB delivered right to your inbox.
Stroman's deep arsenal on full display in final spring start
Boone said that the two days leading into the trip were stressful, as several changes needed to be made. Juan Soto was one scratch, as the outfielder expressed a preference to continue working on his swing in Tampa, Fla. Alex Verdugo, who twice played for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic, was also removed because his girlfriend is in the late stages of pregnancy.
Those who attended, however, loved what they experienced. Stanton good-naturedly tried on a lucha libre mask during his pregame press conference; Trevino scored one of his own, and he expressed hope that he might be able to witness an authentic Mexican wrestling show later Sunday evening.
Oswaldo Cabrera noticed the high altitude while taking pregame ground balls; Boone said some of the coaches had felt it much earlier, feeling a bit winded just by climbing stairs. Cabrera said that once the game started, everything felt normal.
“This is how the game is in Latin America,” Cabrera said. “It feels like the postseason in the USA. It was an amazing experience for me.”
The crowd roared when Anthony Volpe flied out to the warning track in right field to lead off the game, robbed of extra bases on a nice play by Aristides Aquino.
Held to four hits and two walks over the first three innings, the Yanks staged a late rally against the Diablos Rojos’ bullpen, a contest that also featured Victor González and Jonathan Loáisiga pitching in front of their families for the first times as Yankees.
“Honestly, there was a lot at once today,” Stanton said. “The buzz of us being here was really cool. For as long as I’ve played the game, it’s always cool to be in a new place. So I’ll take that.”
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Mar 25, 2024 5:25:45 GMT -5
Gil named Yankees' No. 5 starter after dazzling spring March 24th, 2024 Bryan Hoch
Bryan Hoch @bryanhoch
0:18
0:33
MEXICO CITY -- Luis Gil’s dominant spring has secured a place for the right-hander as the Yankees’ No. 5 starter, manager Aaron Boone confirmed on Sunday.
Gil earned a spot after ace Gerrit Cole’s right elbow injury pushed the club’s other four starters up in the pecking order, with Nestor Cortes set to start the season opener on Thursday against the Astros in Houston. He’ll be followed by Carlos Rodón, Marcus Stroman and Clarke Schmidt.
“I’m excited about the options that we have,” Boone said. “Obviously you never want to see Gerrit go down, but I’m excited about the people that emerged and legitimately put their name in that conversation up until late. I feel like the way Luis is throwing the ball, really from the jump, he’s certainly earned that with how he’s performed. We continue to be really excited about what he can be as a starting pitcher.”
Boone said that Gil was informed of the decision on Friday in Tampa, Fla., by general manager Brian Cashman and pitching coach Matt Blake.
The 25-year-old Gil wrapped his spring Friday with four innings of two-run, two-hit ball against the Mets. In 15 2/3 Grapefruit League innings across five games (three starts), Gil permitted five runs (2.87 ERA) and seven hits, walking six and striking out a team-leading 23.
Gil edged a group of candidates that included right-hander Will Warren, the club’s No. 8 prospect according to MLB Pipeline. Others in competition included Clayton Beeter, Cody Poteet and Luke Weaver.
The Yankees optioned Poteet, Ron Marinaccio and Nick Ramirez to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Sunday and reassigned Warren to Minor League camp. Warren is likely to begin the season at Triple-A.
“I think Will’s got a bright future as a starting pitcher in this league,” Boone said. “I’m sure there’s a great chance you’ll see him sooner rather than later, too.”
Boone said that Gil proved to be further along than anticipated from the Tommy John surgery that cost him most of the 2022 and ’23 seasons, noting that Gil’s developing changeup has complemented his electric fastball and slider combination.
“I’m excited about where he was health-wise, but I didn’t necessarily expect him to be that far along from a polish standpoint,” Boone said. “He’s done a great job.”
It remains to be seen how many starts Gil will make, but for the moment, there will be no redux of the “Joba Rules” -- the Yankees' attempt to preserve the arm of prized youngster Joba Chamberlain. Boone said that Gil will not be placed on an innings limit.
“The way we’re able to monitor and measure guys’ output, what they’re able to do not only on the mound but between starts, it gives us a more clear idea than in the past,” Boone said. “We’re in a better position to make better calls on that.”
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Mar 25, 2024 13:39:44 GMT -5
Yankees Name Luis Gil Fifth Starter; DJ LeMahieu To Start Season On IL
By Darragh McDonald | March 25, 2024 at 11:36am CDT
Yankees manager Aaron Boone announced to the club’s beat last night that right-hander Luis Gil will be the club’s fifth starter to open the season, with Bryan Hoch of MLB.com relaying video of his comments on X. Joel Sherman of The New York Post reports today that right-hander Clayton Beeter has made the club, though Sherman adds it’s possible that a roster move in the coming days could lead to Beeter getting optioned (X links). Boone also says infielder DJ LeMahieu will start the season on the injured list, with Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News among those to relay the news.
A spot opened up at the back of the Yankee rotation with the recent injury to ace Gerrit Cole, who underwent various tests on his right elbow. Cole was recommended for non-surgical rehab for nerve inflammation and edema. Though it was surely good news that surgery wasn’t being recommended, the club would still need to figure out a plan to proceed without him for an undetermined amount of time, perhaps months.
Without Cole, four spots were taken by Nestor Cortes, Carlos Rodón, Marcus Stroman and Clarke Schmidt, leaving one open for a camp battle. As time went on, it seemed to come down to Gil and prospect Will Warren, with Gil getting the gig yesterday. Shortly after Boone announced Gil got the final spot, Warren was reassigned to minor league camp.
Gil, 26 in June, had an encouraging major league debut late in the 2021 season, as he posted an earned run average of 3.07 in six starts. He struck out a strong 29.5% of batters faced, though he also gave out free passes at a 14.7% rate. He would have been looking to build on that in 2022 but unfortunately landed on the injured list after just one start and eventually required Tommy John surgery in May. That put him out of action for the remainder of that season and most of 2023 as well. He returned to official game action in the minors leagues late last year, logging four innings in September.
That will likely leave Gil with some kind of workload limit here in 2024, since he hardly pitched over the past two years. In 2021, he logged 29 1/3 innings in the majors and 79 1/3 in the minors for a combined total of 108 2/3, his highest in any season thus far. He had a 3.97 ERA in those minor league innings that year. The minor leagues were canceled in 2020, meaning he wasn’t able to pitch in any official capacity.
Taking all of that into consideration, Gil shouldn’t be counted on to suddenly shoulder 200 innings this year, but the Yanks will stick with him as long he’s in good form and will presumably make a decision about the workload later. He posted a 2.87 ERA this spring with a 37.7% strikeout rate and 9.8% walk rate. In January, it was reported that the Yankees were awarded a fourth option on Gil, meaning they can send him to the minors at some point down the road.
Warren, 25 in June, is one of the club’s best pitching prospects. He threw 129 innings last year between Double-A and Triple-A with a 3.35 ERA, then had a 3.52 ERA here in spring action. He’s not yet on the 40-man roster, so it would have been a little bit trickier to pick him over Gil. But given his larger innings tally last year, he could be called upon later in the season if Gil needs to be shut down or if someone else gets hurt.
As for Beeter, 25, he’ll be making his major league debut as soon as he gets into a game. He was just added to the club’s roster in November, to keep him out of the Rule 5 draft. He had a 3.62 ERA last year, over 131 2/3 innings between Double-A and Triple-A. He struck out 28.8% of batters though had a concerning walk rate of 13.1%. He’ll break into the majors out of the bullpen, presumably providing the club some long relief innings alongside veteran Luke Weaver.
On the position player side of things, it was reported a week ago that LeMahieu was questionable for Opening Day after fouling a ball off his foot. It doesn’t seem as though it’s a terribly serious injury, but it’s enough to keep him from being available to start the season. Opening Day IL stints can be backdated by three days, so it’s possible he will just miss a week if he’s able to get over the issue in short order.
Though it may not be a long absence, it’s still not ideal for the 35-year-old to be dealing with an injury yet again. He dealt with quad and calf soreness last year and produced a roughly league average line of .243/.327/.390, wRC+ of 101. The Yanks would obviously love to have more, especially since LeMahieu hit .336/.386/.536 over 2019 and 2020. Boone said LeMahieu looked “more explosive” back in February, per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, though he’s now once again hobbled by an unfortunate ailment.
In the meantime, Oswaldo Cabrera could step into the everyday third base role, which will leave open a bench role for someone like Jahmai Jones or Kevin Smith. Cabrera hit .247/.312/.429 in 2022 but then dropped to .211/.275/.299 last year, that latter line translating to a wRC+ of just 60. Smith isn’t on the 40-man roster but the Yanks could transfer Cole or Oswald Peraza to the 60-day injured list to open a spot. Peraza is going to be out of action for six to eight weeks due to a shoulder strain.
As clubs around the league cut down their rosters, there are plenty of guys getting cut loose who may pique the interest of the Yankees. As mentioned up top with Beeter, he could wind up getting optioned if the Yankees find a pitcher they like on waivers or someone entering free agency via a release or opt-out. The same could perhaps be true of their bench, as Cabrera steps in for LeMahieu.
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Mar 25, 2024 16:52:49 GMT -5
Judge: Yankees will 'let our game speak for itself' this season Bryan Mcwilliam 48m ago
New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge thinks the 2024 campaign will be much better than last season but wants the team's actions to speak louder than words.
"I can sit here and explain a lot of things, but it comes down to us going out there and doing it," the outfielder said Monday, according to Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News.
"I could sit here and talk about our new offense and the guys we got, the pitchers we got. But it really comes to us going out there and doing the job. We got to let our game speak for itself, and that's what we plan on doing this year."
The Yankees made several additions this offseason to help them rebound from their worst season since 1992.
New York brought in Juan Soto to provide Judge with added lineup protection and deepened its outfield rotation by acquiring Alex Verdugo and Trent Grisham. The Yankees also beefed up their bullpen with new relievers Victor González and Caleb Ferguson and fortified the starting rotation by signing Marcus Stroman.
However, Judge credited the team's "different level of focus" and preparation for his confidence entering the season instead of the roster changes.
"It's just been a great energy all camp. ... Everybody here is ready to get things rolling," Judge said.
The Yankees open the regular season Thursday against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park in Texas.
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Mar 25, 2024 18:56:58 GMT -5
Yankees Planning To Add Nick Burdi To Opening Day Roster
By Darragh McDonald | March 25, 2024 at 6:17pm CDT
Right-handers Nick Burdi and Clayton Beeter have been told that they have won the camp competition for bullpen jobs, per Joel Sherman of The New York Post, though Sherman adds that the Yankees might still change their plans if other opportunities present themselves in the next few days. MLBTR covered Beeter’s news earlier today.
Burdi, 31, signed a minor league pact with the Yanks back in December and has impressed this spring. He had made seven appearances for the Yankees with 13 strikeouts, four walks and two earned runs allowed.
The righty brings a power arsenal, having averaged in the upper 90s with his fastball in his career. But his health, or lack thereof, has been a significant obstacle for him. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2017, thoracic outlet syndrome surgery in 2019 and a second Tommy John in November of 2020.
Around all of those surgeries, Burdi has managed to throw 15 1/3 innings in the majors but has accrued almost four years of major league service time, most of that spent on the injured list. He has a 9.39 earned run average in that tiny sample of big league work, but with an impressive 36% strikeout rate. His 13.3% walk rate suggests a lack of control but it also might just be a symptom of so much missed time preventing him from getting into a rhythm. He’s also only thrown 21 minor league innings over the past five years due to those absences.
That makes him a real wild card, as he was once a dominant pitcher in college and the early parts of his minor league career but he has hardly pitched in recent seasons due to those significant surgeries.
He is not yet on the Yankees’ 40-man roster and will need to be added, but as Sherman points out, the club is still giving itself some wiggle room to change course. Teams around the league are making their final roster decisions this week, which is leading to various players being released, opting out or being designated for assignment. If the Yankees find someone in that pile who appeals to them, they may pivot away from Burdi. If they do, Sherman relays that the righty has an April 15 opt-out in his deal.
If Burdi does end up on the roster, the Yankees will need to make a corresponding move. It was reported two weeks ago that Oswald Peraza will be shut down for six to eight weeks due to a shoulder strain, so he could be moved to the 60-day injured list to open up a spot. Gerrit Cole is looking at several weeks of rest and recovery as he looks to get over his elbow issue, though the club may be reluctant to move him to the 60-day IL until they confirm that he can’t return before the end of May.
Right-hander Tommy Kahnle has some shoulder inflammation but Sherman relays that the Yankees are expecting him to be back about two weeks into the season. If that comes to pass, both Beeter and Burdi have options and can be sent to the minors to make room for him, though Burdi will need to officially take a spot on the 40-man roster first.
|
|
|
Post by CP_Jon_GoSox on Mar 26, 2024 5:16:14 GMT -5
Yankees, Mets Remain Interested In Jordan Montgomery
By Nick Deeds | March 25, 2024 at 9:18pm CDT
With Opening Day a matter of days away, one of the offseason’s top free agent arms remains available in southpaw Jordan Montgomery. Reporting yesterday indicated that the lefty has multiple long-term offers on the table, though it’s unclear which clubs those offers have come from. Today, Joel Sherman of the New York Post indicates that both the Yankees and Mets have yet to “shut the door” on a hypothetical deal with the 31-year-old.
It’s hardly the first time a Montgomery-Yankees reunion has been rumored. A report last week revealed that the sides had “reopened discussions,” and the sides have been loosely connected all throughout the winter even as the lefty appeared to prefer a return to Texas while the Yankees pursued fellow southpaw and Scott Boras client Blake Snell. Per Sherman, the Yankees have provided Montgomery’s camp with a range at which they are comfortable striking a deal with the lefty, though the sides remain apart as things stand even as Montgomery’s asking price has dropped as the start of the regular season approaches.
Sherman indicates that Montgomery’s initial ask was in a similar range to the seven-year, $172MM deal signed by right-hander Aaron Nola back in November, but he’s since begun to target the extension Tyler Glasnow signed with the Dodgers as a potential comp. Glasnow’s deal was announced by the Dodgers as worth $136.5MM over five years, though it’s worth noting that figure includes his $25MM salary for the 2023 season. In other words, that deal guaranteed Glasnow just $111.5MM in new money over four years.
The Yankees don’t appear to be interest in going to that level to secure Montgomery’s services, however. Sherman indicates that the club has “privately assessed” Montgomery to be a #3 starter, suggesting that the club’s range of comfort could be closer to the four-year, $80MM deal veteran southpaw Eduardo Rodriguez signed with the Diamondbacks back in December. While a gap of roughly $30MM is significant, it’s hardly completely insurmountable. New York reportedly made a six-year, $150MM offer to Snell back in January, suggesting a willingness to stretch their budget to land an arm of Montgomery’s caliber. Particularly in light of the sudden uncertainty the club’s rotation is facing with ace right-hander Gerrit Cole set to miss at least a couple of months to open the season, it would hardly be a surprise to see Montgomery and the Yankees find some common ground and work out a deal at some point.
The Mets’ interest, by contrast, does not appear to be as advanced as their AL counterparts. Sherman indicates that the club’s strategy regarding Montgomery is similar to the one they employed when negotiating with veteran DH J.D. Martinez, who eventually signed with them on a one-year deal that guarantees $12MM, though the majority of that money is deferred. That’s not to say that David Stearns’s front office values the two Boras Corporation clients identically; even considering the depressed market Montgomery is likely facing this late into his free agency, it would be a shock to see him sign a similar deal to the one inked by Martinez. Rather, it appears that the Mets don’t expect to get more deeply involved in Montgomery’s market unless his asking price drops into their established range of interest.
The 31-year-old would be a surefire upgrade to either club’s rotation if signed. Over the past three seasons, few pitchers have been more reliable than Montgomery, who sports a 3.48 ERA (121 ERA+) and 3.62 FIP across 94 starts. Only five pitchers—Cole, Nola, Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, and Jose Berrios—have started more regular season games over the past three years, and of that group only Cole and Gausman have posted a lower ERA during that time. With that being said, Montgomery’s lengthy free agency has wiped out the opportunity for him to have a normal Spring Training and will almost assuredly leave whatever club signs the southpaw to remain without him for at least the first few weeks of the regular season.
The New York clubs aren’t Montgomery’s only known suitors. The left-hander has frequently been tied to the Red Sox throughout the winter, and more recent reporting has connected him to Philadelphia as well. On the other hand, the rumor mill has been mostly quiet about Boston and Montgomery in recent weeks, while Phillies GM Dave Dombrowski told reporters (including Marcus Hayes of the Philadelphia Inquirer) that the club is not “actively seeking” free agent pitching at the moment, even in the wake of the news that right-hander Taijuan Walker will open the season on the injured list due to a shoulder impingement.
|
|