Some notes from the first workout for pitchers and catchers down in Tampa…
- Chad Jennings has the day’s bullpen and batting practice assignments. Phil Hughes, Hiroki Kuroda, Andy Pettitte, Mariano Rivera, David Aardsma, and Clay Rapada were the projected big leaguers to throw while all the catchers took their hacks.
- The Yankees will allow Rivera to shag fly balls during batting practice this season despite last year’s knee injury, Joe Girardi confirmed. Rivera will wear a knee brace this year, though I’m not sure if that means during games or just pre-game workouts. [Jack Curry & Bob Nightengale]
- Remember when I said David Phelps and Michael Pineda changed numbers yesterday? Scratch that. Phelps went back to #41 and Pineda went back to #35. This is serious business, folks. [Mark Feinsand]
- Cervelli answered questions about his connection to Biogenesis, the performance-enhancing drug hub in South Florida. He said he went there and met with Anthony Bosch once, but did not take or receive any drugs. No player or agent referred him. [Dan Barbarisi & Nightengale]
Here is your open thread for the evening. Both the Knicks and Nets are playing, so talk about those games or anything else here. Have at it.