TAMPA – The Yankees were closed since Thursday and had two weeks to play before opening the season against The Blue Gens at The Bronx. They still have a lot to decide, however, before April 1, there are 11 Grape League games remaining.
Who’s on the bench?
Brett Gardner and Kyle Higashoka – if he is healthy – have been assured of the spot. Then there is Tyler Wade, who offers defensive versatility, but still has options and hasn’t proven he can produce at the plate. The use of Gio Urshela at Schiostop this spring has raised some doubt about whether Wade will make the team, but it seems unlikely that Urshela will serve as Jalebar Torres’ primary backup at the position. Mike Tauchman, coming in a down season, has the ability to play all three outfield positions and has two homers this spring after going without one in 2020. Mike Ford’s plate discipline and power have influenced the Yankees, but he’s also had a terrible short season.
Then there are two veteran batsmen in the camp on minor league deals: Jay Bruce and Derek Dietrich. Manager Aaron Boone and others have given information about Bruce’s fitness. He has also shown pop at the plate and looked better than expected at both corner-outfield spots, as well as first base. Dittrich can play around the infilt and his lefty swing should help take advantage of the small porch in the right, but he has not shown much in the plate yet.
Who is in the bullpen?
Penn had only one spot open before going down with a bone chip in Zac Britton’s left elbow, which would force him to remember for a few months. The Yankees have to fill that void – both on the roster and in the back end of the bullpen. Journey’s left-hander Lucas Luetge continues his strong spring with 6 ¹ / ings shutout innings with 6 strikes. Nick Nelson, who appeared in 11 matches for the Yankees last season, 6 ¹ /. Keys was also solid, with a shutout inning. Jonathan Loesiga has impressed, but Boone pointed to two moves in his most recent outing.
Then there is Luis Kesa, whom the Yankees still value as he can play multiple innings. The Yankees are sure the bullpen, Chad Green, Darren O’Day, Justin Wilson and close Aroldis Chapman will have the depth to make up the rest of their backs before expected to return around June.
Who is the fifth starter?
Domingo has pitched as well as the Germans – if not better than any pitcher in the camp. Devi Garcia has also been impressive, but the 21-year-old can be stopped at an alternate venue to open the season. Boone has often talked about being creative with the rotation initially, taking advantage of days off and looking to defend his entire rotation after last year’s short season, which limited the amount of pitching innings Given.
Newcomers Corey Kluber (who was to throw live batting practice at the team’s player development complex on Thursday) and Jameson Tillon have barely pitched in the past two seasons due to injuries, so the Yankees will be cautious with their usage. This is why Boone has insisted that both German and Garcia as well as others will be called frequently during the season.
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