The losing streak is over! The Yankees won their first Grapefruit League game in three tries on Friday, beating the Tigers by the score of 7-4. Brian McCann and Gary Sanchez each hit a solo homer within the first three innings — the team’s catchers hit eight dingers all of last season — and both Jose Pirela and Yangervis Solarte went deep as well. It was Solarte’s second homer in as many games. He’s the early favorite for the “random guy tears the cover off the ball in camp and everyone says he should make the team” award.
The box score is right here. Adam Warren allowed two hits and two walks in two scoreless innings, then Shawn Kelley, Mark Montgomery, Danny Burawa, Fred Lewis, Chase Whitley, and Preston Claiborne followed his scoreless frames of their own. Brian Gordon took one on the chin, allowing all four of Detroit’s runs in his inning of work. Zoilo Almonte and Ramon Flores threw runners out at the plate. The trio of Jacoby Ellsbury, Eduardo Nunez, and Carlos Beltran went a combined 0-for-7 with a walk (Ellsbury). Here is your daily update on the rest of Spring Training.
- The Yankees used one of their young catchers (Sanchez, Austin Romine, John Ryan Murphy) at DH for the fourth time in four exhibition games, prompting one scout to say they are “clearly showcasing” these guys for potential trades. Well, duh. [Erik Boland]
- As always, Chad Jennings has the day’s workout groups. David Robertson threw live batting practice while Ivan Nova, Michael Pineda, and Manny Banuelos threw bullpen sessions. After CC Sabathia, Hiroki Kuroda, and Masahiro Tanaka pitch tomorrow, the rotation will be Vidal Nuno, Nova, David Phelps, and Warren the following four days.
- Pineda will throw a simulated game on Sunday and then will likely pitch in a real game next week. The Yankees seem to be taking it slow with him in camp, which is understandable following his injury. [George King, Jennings]
- The MRIs on Jose Ramirez back and oblique came back clean, though he is still “sore” and will be out at least another few days. He said it feels similar to the oblique problem that cost him two months last season. [Wally Matthews, Marly Rivera]
- Slade Heathcott played catch and took dry swings for the first time today. He had his knee cleaned up over the winter and was unable to perform baseball activities early in camp. [Jennings]
- No surprise here, but Joe Girardi said “it’s pretty safe to say” Tanaka will start either the third or fourth game of the regular season. I’m guessing it’ll be the third. [Bryan Hoch]
This is the open thread for the night. The Knicks are playing and MLB Network will have a Spring Training game on tape delay later tonight. Not sure what teams, but it won’t be the Yankees. Talk about whatever you want right here. Have at it.
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