Happy first day of cuts! As the U.S. lost an hour last night, the Yankees lost six players from the Big League camp as well. Per the team’s press release, Hector Noesi has been optioned back to AAA while Adam Warren, David Phelps, Brian Anderson, Buddy Carlyle and Andy Sisco were reassigned to the Minor League camp. Some of those guys will stick around while others may leave the organization before the end of Spring Training.
With that slate of six sent down, the Yankees say they now have 26 pitchers, eight catchers, 13 infielders and 11 outfielders remaining in camp. Of the pitchers still around, those intriguing ones include birthday boy Manny Banuelos, Andrew Brackman, Dellin Betances and the feel-good story of the spring Mark Prior. Soon, however, the club will send down their heralded arms. As the Major League hurlers throw more innings, it’s harder to find the frames for the young kids in Grapefruit League game action. Many of them will be back.
So as camp thins out, the Yanks are set to take on the Minnesota Twins today in Tampa. Freddy Garcia, making his third appearance today, will continue his bid for a spot in the rotation. In five innings so far, he’s allowed just two hits while striking out three. Following him at some point will be Mariano Rivera, who is making his spring bid while competing for a spot in the Yanks’ bullpen. Joba and Rafael Soriano may get the ball today as well.
The lineup looks pretty good this afternoon.
Derek Jeter SS
Nick Swisher RF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Jorge Posada DH
Curtis Granderson CF
Andruw Jones LF
Russell Martin C
Freddy Garcia P
First pitch is at 1:05 p.m., and this one’s on YES where Bob Lorenz and Kenny Singleton will have the game.