Yankees spring training observations: Spencer Jones claims top rookie prize at camp
TAMPA, Fla. – In a small sample size, Spencer Jones made a big impression at Yankees camp.
On the final day of Florida spring training, the lefty-hitting slugger received the James P. Dawson Award as the most outstanding Yankees rookie of spring training.
According to one MLB scout, who saw Jones since his college days at Vanderbilt, "I loved him. And what I loved most about him is that he kept getting better and better.''
The scout cited Jones' easy power to left-center field, a unique ability for his level of experience. "He wore out the left-center field fence.''
The Dawson Award's voting body annually consists of Yankees beat writers, and past winners (since its inception in 1956) include Tony Kubek (1957), Roy White (1966), Willie Randolph (1976), Don Mattingly (1983), Jorge Posada (1997) and last year's recipient Anthony Volpe.
In 12 Grapefruit League games, Jones batted .444 (8-for-18) with two doubles, a homer and four RBI. Jones, 22, also blasted two homers in the inaugural "Spring Breakout'' game against Toronto Blue Jays prospects.
The Yankees' top prospect, Jones, ranked No. 46 overall by Baseball America entering 2024 and a first-round pick in 2022, is likely to start the year at Class AA Somerset but he's fast-tracking toward the Bronx.
A fleet center fielder with base-stealing ability to go with his powerful swing, Jones could be competing for a starting outfield spot next spring, with Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo entering free agent walk years.
DJ LeMahieu's injury status
DJ LeMahieu’s status for Opening Day remained questionable Saturday, March 23, based on manager Aaron Boone’s description.
Dealing with a bone bruise to his right foot, sustained on a foul ball March 16, LeMahieu conducted a second straight day of light on-field and batting cage work.
LeMahieu’s condition has improved, but “he’s still feeling it pretty good,’’ said Boone. “I do feel like he’s moving in the right direction. Will it be in time (for Opening Day)? We’ll see.’’
(On March 25, Yankees GM Brian Cashman said that LeMahieu would start the season on the injured list. LeMahieu was due to undergo a second, scheduled MRI later in the week).
Boone seemed more encourage with the progress of first baseman Anthony Rizzo (left lat tightness), who might return to the lineup in Monday’s final Florida exhibition game.
If LeMahieu isn’t ready to be the Yankees’ starting third baseman Opening Day, March 28, at Houston, then it might be Oswaldo Cabrera.
Starting at third base Saturday, March 23, Cabrera (batting lefty) belted his second homer of the spring, a shot to right field in the Yankees’ 6-6 tie against the Phillies.
“I’m excited over the last two weeks how he’s swung the bat,’’ said Boone, noting Cabrera’s slow start this spring, following a rough offensive 2023 with the Yanks. “Getting some traction here is nice, because he’s really valuable defensively.’’
Yankees split squad leaves for Mexico City
Giancarlo Stanton and Anthony Volpe headlined a split squad of Yankees who left Saturday, March 23, for a two-game series at Mexico City against the Diablos Rojos del Mexico.
Alex Verdugo was the latest A-list Yankee staying back, per Boone.
Among the other Yankees notables on the trip were Oswaldo Cabrera, Jose Trevino, Jonathan Loaisiga and Victor Gonzalez, from Tuxpan, Mexico.
Gonzalez said participating in the sold-out series would be “very important to me’’ because, “I have a lot of family members there who’ll have the opportunity to see me pitch.
“To have the Yankees (uniform) on and be at home and pitch in front of my family, I think it’s going to be incredible to me,’’ the lefty reliever said through an interpreter.
The battle to claim the Yankees' final rotation spot
Luis Gil’s potential role on the 2024 Yankees is currently undefined.
However, “he’s made a really strong case to be on this team,’’ said manager Aaron Boone, suggesting that the right-hander could stick as either a starter or multi-inning reliever.
“Now, you’ve just got to wait for the decision to be made,’’ Gil said through an interpreter, adding that he’d “be open to any opportunity to help this team,’’ whether as a starter or reliever.
Bidding for the rotation vacancy created by Gerrit Cole’s expected two-month absence (elbow irritation), Gil yielded two runs over four innings in his Friday, March 22 start against the Mets.
One of the Mets’ two hits off Gil was a two-run homer by Mark Vientos. Gil walked two batter and had five strikeouts.
“Really happy and excited about coming into camp to put myself in a really good situation,’’ Gil said. “It was important for me to have a good start’’ in camp, returning from Tommy John surgery rehab.
Gil’s changeup has transformed into “another weapon’’ along with his slider and plus-fastball, and his confidence with the changeup has drawn Boone’s attention.
Still, Gil is no lock for the current No. 5 spot, with Cody Poteet, Will Warren, Clayton Beeter and Luke Weaver still in the running.
“A lot of good choices. Tough decisions ahead,’’ said Boone, who watched Warren follow with five innings of one-run pitching against the Mets. “It’s about how you configure your roster, what’s the best role for everyone.’’
Luis Gil is moving up the charts
Rapidly moving up the Yankees’ depth chart, Luis Gil had another impressive outing Saturday, March 16, at Steinbrenner Field.
Through an interpreter, Gil said his “focus and mindset hasn’t changed since the beginning of camp,’’ now that he’s a viable rotation replacement for Gerrit Cole.
The Yankees’ ace is expected to be out for about two months, due to elbow inflammation.
Gil, 25, mostly lost the last two seasons due to Tommy John surgery rehab, but he’s “physically all the way back,’’ manager Aaron Boone said of the right-hander’s elite fastball.
Along with a good slider and a better feel for his change-up, an important pitch in his development, Gil limited a mostly A-list Toronto Blue Jays lineup to just one hit and one walk in 3.1 scoreless innings.
Gil was coming off “probably the outing of spring, by anyone,’’ with four scoreless innings against a representative Philadelphia Phillies lineup.
Speaking earlier on March 16, GM Brian Cashman mentioned Gil, Cody Poteet, Luke Weaver, Will Warren and Clayton Beeter as candidates for the open rotation spot.“I feel good about our internal options,’’ said Cashman. “At the same time, it’s never stopped us from having external conversations, regardless.
“But that was going on before this and it’ll continue to go on until it’s pencils down at the’’ Aug. 1 trade deadline.’’
As an aside, the pretty much untouchable Yankees' lefty-hitting prospect Spencer Jones homered twice during the March 16 "Spring Breakout'' prospects game against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Jones was a non-starter in talks with the Chicago White Sox for Dylan Cease, who was traded to the San Diego Padres.
In the main game, Anthony Volpe went 4-for-4 to raise his spring batting average to .368 (14-for-38) in 14 games, using more of the field with his flatter bat path.
Plus, Giancarlo Stanton launched his first homer of the spring, a two-run shot to left, while serving as the Yanks' right fielder.
In uniform, Joe Torre arrives at Yankees camp
Standing near the batting cage, Joe Torre was back in his familiar No. 6 uniform as he watched Friday’s batting practice with Aaron Boone.“I called him a couple weeks ago to just check on his schedule and see if he could come hang out with us for a couple days,’’ the current Yankees manager said of the Hall of Fame manager.
The answer was an immediate “yes.’’
Boone said it was “an added treat’’ to see Torre don the uniform again and “just to have our guys be around him a little bit.’’
Of course, Boone played briefly and memorably for Torre, on the 2003 Yankees.
Torre’s first advice to Boone? “He told me not to ready what you guys write.’’
Further guidance came two weeks into Boone’s period in pinstripes, dealt by the Cincinnati Reds at the ’03 trade deadline.
Struggling with a .125 batting average (6-for-48) in his first 13 games as a Yankee, Boone recalled approaching Torre before a game at Baltimore: “I’m sorry, Joe. I’ll get it going here.’’
Torre’s reply, according to Boone: “First, the way you play the game, you never have to apologize. Relax and do your thing.’’
Boone responded by batting .298 the rest of the way, and by hitting one of the most famous home runs in Yankees history, winning the pennant against the Boston Red Sox.
“Just such as a great guy to play for, such a presence about him,’’ said Boone, though he was not as fond with Torre’s later position as MLB’s discipline czar.
“He can be a little heavy handed with his fines sometimes,’’ Boone said wryly, a reference to his costly arguments with umpires as Yankees manager.
Clarke Schmidt has a good night, Gleyber Torres goes yard again
As for the March 15 night game, a 6-2 loss to the Pirates, it was another good day of work for (now lined up as) No. 4 starter Clarke Schmidt, who tossed 3.1 innings and yielded a run on five hits, with five strikeouts.
"More and more, he's building on becoming a better strike thrower,'' Boone said of Schmidt.
The Yanks also survived an injury scare with catcher Luis Torrens, who came out of the game after being oddly struck on the right side of his face.
Attempting a throw to third base on a steal attempt, Torrens' throw contacted the bat and the ball ricocheted back, striking his face. Torrens, batting .316, is OK according to Boone.
Gleyber Torres belted his third homer of the spring and the Yankees' second baseman, entering his free agent walk year, is batting .323 this spring.
Jonathan Loaisiga makes his exhibition debut
Jonathan Loaisiga made his 2024 Grapefruit League debut Thursday afternoon at Lakeland, showing a 98-mph fastball, but yielding a run on three hits over 1.2 innings.
It had been six months since the right-hander's last big-league appearance; he was shut down last Sept. 12 due to elbow inflammation.
Speaking through an interpreter, Loaisiga said part of the first-half plan might be to go multiple innings built around a couple days of rest, with no back-to-back outings.
In the second half, he could be ready for one-inning stints where he could come back the next day.
Managing his workload will be a key for Loaisiga, 29, viewed as a closer-in-waiting, though keeping him on the mound has been an issue.
Since 2019, Loaisiga has been on the injured list seven times, due mostly to shoulder strains and elbow inflammation.
Meanwhile, the Yankees are hoping lefties Victor Gonzalez and Caleb Ferguson can fill the void of lefty Wandy Peralta, who signed a free agent contract with the San Diego Padres.
A source of good-natured humor, Peralta's clubhouse presence is also missed.
On Wednesday morning, March 13, Yankees bullpen coach Mike Harkey and reliever Tommy Kahnle were seen enthusiastically communicating with Peralta via cell phone video.
“We definitely lost a little bit of personality with Wandy and (Michael) King,’’ said Yankees closer Clay Holmes, also referencing the key pitcher sent to San Diego in the Juan Soto trade.
“But the guys we’ve got are a real solid group – very focused. And the stuff is really good, all the way down the line,’’ said Holmes. “And we all kind of feel that, we’re excited and know what we’re capable of.
“And it kind of pushes us to help each other and do the best we can.’’
Also, Kahnle has set up a mini basketball net above his locker, inviting teammates and coaches to take jump shots. Updated: Kahnle now has a detailed foul line taped on the floor near his locker to improve the on-court experience.
Oswald Peraza sidelined up to two months due to shoulder strain
Yankees infielder Oswald Peraza said through an interpreter he was "really devastated'' and "very frustrated'' by a right shoulder injury that will delay his start to the 2024 season.
Following two MRIs, Peraza was diagnosed on March 9 with a subscapular strain. He will have six-to-eight weeks of rest, which mainly means no throwing, before he's re-evaluated.
That puts an end to Peraza's competition for a place on manager Aaron Boone's Opening Day roster, though Peraza was thought to be better served as starting at Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to play regularly.
A versatile, plus-defender and reliable shortstop, Peraza's prospect stock has taken a hit since last spring training, when he lost the starting shortstop battle to Anthony Volpe.
In an up-and-down 2023 season between Scranton and the Bronx, Peraza batted .191 in 52 games with the Yankees, striking out 50 times in 173 at-bats.
Switch-hitting Oswaldo Cabrera, who started at first base in Saturday's exhibition game, could earn a utility spot, and the Yankees are taking longer looks at infielders Jahmai Jones (out of minor league options) and Kevin Smith (a non-roster invitee).
Peraza said he'd "do all the training he has to do'' to return to baseball activity "as soon as possible.''
At Fort Myers, March 9, lefty Nestor Cortes yielded six runs on nine hits, but had six strikeouts over 3.1 innings in the Minnesota Twins' 10-7 exhibition win.
DJ LeMahieu, Marcus Stroman continue to impress
For the Yankees to have their optimum offense in 2024, well they've got a lot riding on the oldest player in camp.
A healthy and productive DJ LeMahieu is an essential ingredient in the leadoff spot, and he had an encouraging afternoon, March 8, with sharp opposite field hits (single, double) off Toronto starter Chris Bassitt and a walk in the Blue Jays' 2-1 exhibition win at Dunedin.
Since camp began, LeMahieu “looks right to me,’’ said manager Aaron Boone. “Nice to (see him) go out and have some results, but I feel like he’s in a pretty good spot.’’
The same goes for starter Marcus Stroman, who tossed four scoreless, hitless innings against Toronto.
"He's been sharp, really, all spring,'' said Boone, who watched Stroman increase the use of his changeup and also breakout the occasional delivery hesitation, ala Nestor Cortes.
"I feel very confident and strong in my mechanics, so I can do it at any point,'' Stroman said of his various mid-delivery pauses.
"But I never go into an at-bat or a pitch and say, 'I’m going to pause.' It’s literally just in the moment,'' said Stroman. "If I feel it can work in the moment, or I feel like (a batter's) timing is right on with me, I’ll naturally (pause).''
Tommy Kahnle doubtful to start season on time
Odds are, Tommy Kahnle won’t be ready for Opening Day.
“I don’t know yet, but it’s kind of trending that way,’’ said the Yankees right-handed reliever, who ended the 2023 season on the injured list due to right shoulder inflammation.
Kahnle missed the last nine games of the year, and he didn’t resume throwing until about Dec. 12.
“Took me a while to get healthy after the season,’’ said Kahnle. “Just taking it slow.’’
Kahnle, 34, is still throwing bullpens, including a 20-pitch session (fastballs, sliders, changeups) on March 6. Afterward, he reported feeling fine, with “no pain.’’
But it's unclear exactly when he'll graduate from bullpens to live batting practice to an exhibition or simulated game.
"Tommy could be a week or two behind from the regular season,'' said Aaron Boone, though the manager did not completely dismiss Kahnle being on the Opening Day roster.
For that to happen, Kahnle would almost certainly have to get into an exhibition game or two by March 25. If he's delayed, that potentially opens a spot for a non-roster reliever in camp, such as Nick Burdi or Dennis Santana.
“A lot of new faces, I’m excited to see these guys pitch,’’ Kahnle said of the relief corps, including two lefties from his days with the Los Angeles Dodgers in Victor Gonzalez and Caleb Ferguson.
“Two good lefties coming out of the ‘pen,’’ said Kahnle, now entering the final season of his two-year, $11.5 million contract.
Nestor Cortes: "Happy where I'm at'' this spring
So far, Nestor Cortes feels like his 2022 All-Star version.
After tossing 2.2 innings Monday afternoon, Feb. 26, his first Grapefruit League outing of 2024, the lefty felt he could go another inning.
“(But) this is the buildup process. Happy where I’m at,’’ said Cortes, after the Yankees’ 9-2 win against the Minnesota Twins.
Limited to 12 starts last year, with a 4.97 ERA, due to two bouts of rotator cuff inflammation, Cortes said he was immediately sore after games in 2023 and that soreness would linger.
To this point, Cortes has “been coming out great’’ following his live sessions, along with increased fastball velocity.
The rotator cuff stuff of 2023 has been “a non-issue for a good month now,’’ said Cortes, who yielded seven hits and two earned runs with zero walks and four strikeouts.
But the Twins’ hard contact was very limited, highlighted by a Jose Miranda RBI double with two strikes.
“Thought Nestor was good, the stuff was there,’’ said manager Aaron Boone. “I’m really encouraged where he at.’’
Earlier on Feb. 26, switch-hitting center fielder Jasson Dominguez took his first swings (right-handed) off a tee since last September’s Tommy John surgery.
Dominguez is due back in the Yankees’ lineup roughly around late June, early July.
Giancarlo Stanton (0-for-3) started at DH on Feb. 26, his first exhibition game this spring, and he’s due to play right field on Feb. 29, for the first time in 2024.
Lefty-hitting second baseman Jorbit Vivas launched his second homer of the spring.
“He’s interesting,’’ Boone said of the infielder acquired, along with lefty Victor Gonzalez from the Dodgers in the December trade for shortstop prospect Trey Sweeney.
Primarily a second baseman, Vivas is due to play some third base next.
George Lombard Jr.'s day to remember in camp
Late in the Yankees’ exhibition home opener, George Lombard Jr. had a moment to remember.
“Nothing short of amazing,’’ Lombard Jr. said of his Sunday afternoon (Feb. 25) at Steinbrenner Field, when he played in his first big-league exhibition game and belted a two-run homer.
Lombard Jr., 18, was the Yankees’ first-round draft pick last year (26th overall), and he’s the son of current Detroit Tigers bench coach and former MLB outfielder George Lombard Sr.
“It’ll be a good phone call,’’ Lombard Jr. said of telling his dad about his first pro game. The exhibition against the Toronto Blue Jays was televised on YES, and “I’m sure he’s heard about it already from my mom.’’
Lombard Jr. sent his drive over the right-center field wall, off Toronto minor league lefty Jimmy Robbins, 26.
Unsure if he’d be brought over from the player development side for the Feb. 25 Grapefruit League game, which was Juan Soto’s pinstriped debut, Lombard Jr. soaked in everything about the day, including the Opening Day introductions.
“It’s been a little bit of a rollercoaster, but all the staff, all the players have been super welcoming,’’ said Lombard Jr., whose 2024 plan is to stay focused and grounded.
“Hopefully it’s a good year – (it’ll be) a lot more baseball than I’ve played in a year in my life. Just kind focused on staying mentally strong, sticking to my plan.’’
Yankees manager Aaron Boone was impressed by Lombard Jr.’s presence – both at the plate and defensively - and sees a future big leaguer in the 6-foot-3, 205-pound shortstop.
“He’s been fun to get to know and watch,’’ said Boone, adding that the player development side is “very excited’’ about Lombard Jr., who has already “opened a lot of eyes.’’
DJ LeMahieu is "dialed in''
Headed over to Field 2 just after Gerrit Cole began his three-inning sim on Sunday, Feb. 25, and overheard this from someone in a Yankees' uniform:
"DJ is dialed in. That's like his third hit off Gerrit.''
A healthy DJ LeMahieu, batting in the leadoff spot, is a key part of Aaron Boone's lineup, setting up Juan Soto, Aaron Judge and Anthony Rizzo.
“Physically where he is, it’s really exciting,’’ Boone said recently. “There’s an explosiveness to him that’s different from the last couple of years.’’
With Jose Trevino catching, Cole had another good day of work, with swings and misses against the likes of Giancarlo Stanton, Anthony Volpe and highly-touted lefty-hitting rookie center fielder Spencer Jones.
Later during the live BP session, Jones crushed a homer off reliever Ian Hamilton.
Cole's next outing will be in a Grapefruit League game, scheduled for Friday, March 1, against the Blue Jays at GMS Field.
Luis Gil's potential impact on the 2024 Yankees
It'll take more than the Yankees' current five-man rotation to get through a season, and here's where Luis Gil comes in.
The right-hander might fill a role similar to the since-traded Jhony Brito and Randy Vasquez (sent to San Diego in the Juan Soto deal) as a spot starter or long reliever.
After tossing two innings in the Yankees' Grapefruit League opener on Feb. 24, against the Detroit Tigers at Lakeland, Gil said his velocity and movement is "better now, actually'' than before his Tommy John surgery.
Gil, 25, who rehabbed from TJ surgery last year, has already had big-league experience - pitching to a 3.07 ERA for the 2021 Yankees and making a cameo appearance in 2022.
Entering camp, "I feel really healthy,'' Gil said through an interpreter, after yielding two runs on one hit (a homer) with two walks and three strikeouts on a windswept afternoon at TigerTown.
“We think he’s a starter…don’t want to let go of that,’’ said manager Aaron Boone. But Gil is “a guy I could see in different roles for us, depending how the season unfolds.’’
Trent Grisham loves New York
Speaking of the Soto deal, two-time Gold Glove Award winning outfielder Trent Grisham said “it wasn’t all that surprising’’ when he was included in the deal.
“I think he could be a big part of our team…he’s going to play a lot,’’ said Boone, before Grisham belted a three-run homer in his first Grapefruit League at-bat, Feb. 24, against the Tigers.
A lefty hitter with power and a .216 hitter across five MLB seasons, Grisham, 27, figures to be Boone’s fourth outfielder, playing almost exclusively in center field for now.
Mostly, that means getting starts when Aaron Judge is rested or serves as DH.
“Every time the Yankees come up in trade rumors, my name usually gets thrown out,’’ said Grisham. Things began heating up in early December, and “I wasn’t really taken a lot off guard.’’
But Grisham was “really excited’’ about the trade from San Diego.
“Me and my wife had always wanted to live in New York, but never wanted to leave Texas,’’ said Grishman, from outside of Fort Worth. “So, now we kind of get the best of both worlds, getting to play there and live there.’’
Grisham said he’s eager to experience “the energy and liveliness’’ of living in Manhattan. Plus, his wife is a fan of Broadway theater.
In another change this offseason, Grisham said he began working with a mental skills coach to get “a new perspective on things. It’s been good so far.’’
Second baseman Jorbit Vivas and catcher Luis Torrens also homered in the exhibition opener. Torrens was fresh off his victory in the camp Ping Pong Tourney, defeating Anthony Rizzo in the final.
Aaron Boone: Clarke Schmidt has a lock on a rotation spot
Unlike last spring training, Clarke Schmidt isn’t battling for a rotation spot.
“He’s a starter for us, yeah,’’ said manager Aaron Boone, after watching the right-hander’s live session Feb. 22 at Steinbrenner Field.
Schmidt pitched against Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, Giancarlo Stanton and Gleyber Torres.
“You know Clarke, he’s competitive. He likes the fact that he’s facing the big boys,’’ Boone said of Schmidt upping his game a bit. “(I’m) really pleased with the way he threw the ball today.’’
With a 6.30 ERA after his first nine starts last season, Schmidt seemed in danger of losing his rotation spot.
But he posted an ERA slightly above 4.00 the rest of the way and became the club’s most reliable starter after ace Gerrit Cole.
“After taking his lumps that first month…he never lost confidence, never lost focus.’’
Schmidt, who just turned 28, has become “a better strike thrower each year,’’ and he’s “expanding and sharpening his repertoire,’’ said Boone.
But the Yankees are still seeking rotation depth, as voiced by owner Hal Steinbrenner, and Schmidt could wind up in a Michael King-type multi-inning relief role should the Yankees add a starter.
Boone said that right-hander Luis Gil would start the Feb. 24 exhibition opener against Detroit at Lakeland, with Carlos Rodon (vs. Toronto at Steinbrenner Field) and Marcus Stroman (vs. Philadelphia at Clearwater) starting the Feb. 25 split squad games.
Gerrit Cole assesses his first live outing of camp
After his first live session of camp, Gerrit Cole was typically precise in his assessment.
“Two uncompetitive (pitches) out of 36,’’ said the Yankees ace, who faced DJ LeMahieu, Anthony Rizzo, Gleyber Torres and Anthony Volpe in two simulated innings, Feb. 21 at Steinbrenner Field.
The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner was pleased with his velocity and command, and he’s been impressed with rookie catcher Austin Wells.
This camp marked the first time that Wells ever caught Cole, but their relationship began with Wells’ call-up last September.
“Just picking his brain…trying to be as attentive as possible,’’ said Wells. “And this spring, the same thing, just trying to understand why he’s throwing what pitches in certain counts.’’
Though he pitched to Ben Rortvedt exclusively late in 2023, Cole noted Wells’ preparation and in-game skills.
“I thought right away that his game calling was exceptional,’’ said Cole, who expects to pitch one more live session before starting a Grapefruit League game.
Wells might wind up splitting catching time this year with Jose Trevino, delayed by a left calf strain but expected to start the season on time.
Still, Wells isn’t anticipating anything. The Yankees’ catching depth is strong, and Wells feels he’s “competing to be on the (26-man) roster.
“We have a great group of guys,’’ said Wells, whose goal in camp is to learn the staff and “not having to guess which pitch to call’’ in a tight situation.
“That’ll make more pitchers on the staff trust me and want to throw to me.’’
Nestor Cortes vs. the Yankees' A-list lineup
In a group with Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Alex Verdugo, new lefty slugger Juan Soto took his first Steinbrenner Field swings in live batting practice Tuesday, Feb. 20.
But the real star of the early afternoon was lefty Nestor Cortes, whose fastball produced more than a few swings and misses against Soto.
"That was good,'' said Cortes, who tossed three simulated innings (45 pitches) against that A-list group. "Now, we'll see how I bounce back and recover'' (he was fine the next day, according to Aaron Boone).
Cortes made just 12 starts last season, due to two stints on the injured list with rotator cuff inflammation. He's been throwing in Tampa since mid-December, and the early ramp up has helped.
But facing these slugging teammates live "is a different animal,'' said Cortes. "I was telling Boonie, just give these guys four balls and let them take first base off me.''
Hard-throwing, non-roster right-hander Dennis Santana, 27, also threw live on Feb. 20, and he's a sleeper to watch in camp, having played with six MLB organizations, including nine relief appearances with the Mets in 2023.
Jasson Dominguez ramps up from elbow surgery
Five months since undergoing Tommy John surgery (right elbow), Jasson Dominguez has been making throws at 60 feet.
By next week, around Feb. 26, the switch-hitting center fielder says he's due to begin swinging a bat.
There's a general late June, early July timeframe for his return to the Yankees lineup, "but I don't want to rush anything,'' said Dominguez, 21, who plans to join the 2024 season "as soon as possible.''
Dominguez said he spent nearly all of this winter rehabbing at the Yankees' Tampa complex, and that his elbow is feeling stronger since the surgery.
After making a huge splash in his eight-game, MLB cameo with four home runs - including a homer in his first big-league at-bat - Dominguez said the 2023 season "didn't end the way I wanted to,'' but he's looking forward to contributing by this year's second half.
Marcus Stroman's debut in pinstripes
Marcus Stroman couldn't wait to put on the Yankees' home pinstripes.
Instead of pitching in the standard, navy practice jersey, Stroman made his mound debut at camp - a 45-pitch live BP stint - in a full home uniform, with his No. 0 on the back.
"Putting the pinstripes on, just kind of getting those feelings, having a little bit of a crowd out there, it was pretty awesome,'' Stroman said after his Feb. 19 session at Steinbrenner Field.
Arriving via free agency, Stroman - who grew up on Long Island - considers it "an honor to put the pinstripes on, I don't take that lightly, and I'm excited to get to work.''
With Stroman alternating with Carlos Rodon, "I thought both guys were pretty sharp for this point in spring,'' said manager Aaron Boone.
Stroman also snared a thigh-high liner hit by catcher Oddanier Mosquedo and yielded a homer to Austin Wells. As for being in pinstripes, "you definitely get the sense that this is the place he wants to be,'' said Boone.
In his locker, Stroman has a "1996 Yankees World Champions'' cap, and he was wearing a t-shirt with images of the Yankees' 2004 Opening Day club.
"I love vintage, that's all I'm usually in, is vintage clothing,'' said Stroman, who has friends who find him such items for his wardrobe.
Stroman is due to pitch in his first Yankees exhibition game on Feb. 25.
Juan Soto reveals his favorite Yankee growing up
During his opening spring training address, new Yankees lefty slugger Juan Soto mentioned that Robinson Cano was his favorite Yankee.
Growing up in the Dominican Republic, Cano was “who I followed since I was a little kid and a guy I wanted to be like,’’ Soto said.
Soto and Cano were teammates in the World Baseball Classic, and the lefty-hitting second baseman has been “a mentor to me, helping me out in my career,’’ said Soto.
The 25-year-old Soto has not connected with Cano since his December trade to the Yankees from San Diego.
Jose Trevino's injury delay at Yankees camp
Despite a strained left calf, Jose Trevino has been catching Yankees pitchers in camp – including Clarke Schmidt’s live session on Feb. 17.
Trevino has also resumed batting practice, but “I don’t see him playing the first week or two of games,’’ said manager Aaron Boone, with the exhibition season set to begin on Feb. 24.
According to Boone, Trevino has been dealing with the issue since around Feb. 1, and he’s expected to be ready for Opening Day, March 28 at Houston.
Meanwhile, Austin Wells caught Gerrit Cole’s Feb. 18 bullpen session, on a day all activity was moved indoors due to rain.
Trevino and Ben Rortvedt caught the bulk of the ace’s starts during his 2023 AL Cy Young Award season, and it’s important to build some familiarity between Cole and Wells.
The lefty-hitting Wells, still a rookie, drew praise for his receiving skills during his limited time last season at the MLB level.
Giving him some reps at first base or the outfield “could be something down the road,’’ said Boone, but not during this spring, where the emphasis is on catching and learning the staff.
Welcome to Tampa, Juan Soto
The newest Yankees slugger, Juan Soto made a cameo in camp Feb. 18, a day before Yankees position players' official report date.
"I saw him briefly,'' said Boone, who is looking forward to getting to know Soto beyond the texts and phone calls that comprised their communication to this point.
Soto, Aaron Judge and company are scheduled to have their annual physicals on Feb. 19, with full squad workouts set for Feb. 20.
"It's one of those days on the calendar that's frankly an exciting day,'' said Boone. "We're in the hope-springs-eternal portion of the show, and it's always good to get everyone here.''
Nick Burdi and Clayton Andrews
Away from the spotlight, 31-year-old non-roster right-hander Nick Burdi and 5-foot-6 lefty Clayton Andrews have drawn notice in camp.
The hard-throwing Burdi pitched briefly with the Cubs last year and has previously pitched with the Pirates. The reliever has also added a sweeping slider to his aresenal.
If they can keep him healthy, "that's as good as an arm as there is out there,'' said pitching coach Matt Blake.
Andrews, 27, is a former two-way player who made his brief MLB debut in the Brewers' bullpen last year.
"He's got good stuff, he's got a really good changeup, too,'' said Boone, to go with a lively fastball and a breaking pitch.
Upgrades at Steinbrenner Field
The complex at Steinbrenner Field, now in its 29th year as the Yankees spring training home, is being upgraded in stages.
Just completed last Friday, the first phase was a complete overhaul of the home clubhouse, which more closely resembles that of Yankee Stadium, with new wider lockers, navy blue carpeting, numerous flat screen TVs and a raised ceiling.
Next year’s upgrades will add a bi-level players’ dining area with outdoor access and a more expansive trainers’ facility.
Upgrades are planned for the visitors’ side, and they’ve already added a new batting cage area. Previously, the visiting team had to share the Yankees’ indoor batting cages before exhibition games.
During Thursday’s media session, GM Brian Cashman said the club was interested in hiring Corey Kluber in an advisory capacity.
Corey Kluber's potential new role
Having recently announced his retirement from baseball, Kluber was spotted around Steinbrenner Field this week. The former two-time AL Cy Young Award winner with Cleveland is very good friends with Ohio native Nick Swisher, currently a Yankees adviser.
Cashman had yet to speak directly with Kluber, 37, about a position with the Yankees but admitted the team had been in the “infant stages’’ of mapping out a potential role with the organization.
Kluber, who resides in Tampa, made 16 starts with the 2021 Yankees and pitched a no-hitter at Texas against the Rangers.
“Corey’s an amazingly talented retired pitcher. He had a really big impact on our clubhouse while he was here,’’ Cashman said.
Gleyber Torres nearing free agency
Asked about Gleyber Torres, entering his free agent walk year, Cashman said he has not engaged in talks with his agent about a contract extension.
“He’s our second baseman for this year,’’ said Cashman.
That doesn’t mean the door is closed to potential discussions about an extension, but it’s far more likely that the Yankees allow Torres to move into free agency.
Torres, 27, will earn $14.2 million this season, and the Yankees have potential second basemen for 2025 in Oswald Peraza and Jorbit Vivas.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Yankees spring training observations: Spencer Jones claims top rookie prize at camp
