SARASOTA, Florida – Jay Bruce has an opt-out option scheduled for March 25.
But the Yankees defense / first baseman made another effort on Saturday night to not have to make any decisions.
In addition to his case to be part of the squad of 26 Yankees players, Bruce provided further proof that he was healthy when he made a slippery grip in the race on the left field during the 2-1 loss to the Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium .
“I am very proud of my defense,” said Bruce. “I feel really good. My body is physically great. I’m in a good place. “
As for the cancellation of the contract, Bruce said the decision was not entirely up to him.
“I’m not the right person to ask when it comes to a difficult decision or not,” said Bruce, who is now hitting 6 out of 26 with two home runs in 11 games. “I really have no control over that. I know I came for spring training physically ready to go. I feel that I have already shown that I am capable of handling various positions. My swing is good.
“So, we’ll see in five days. I do not know. I look forward to finding out. My goal is to continue to prepare for the season and I hope to help the club. “
Giancarlo Stanton’s return to the outfield will not come in spring training. Yankees coach Aaron Boone last month opened the door for the hitter to get some action on the field this season, but Stanton said on Saturday it would not happen before the team set up camp.
“During the season, that is the plan,” said Stanton. “But as the discussions went on, Boonie and I talked about how I will be needed later, in the first two months. So now it’s not that important just to be ready to go during the season, a few weeks later. “
Stanton said that putting the game’s action out on the field this spring would not be of much use if he didn’t play there in the regular season.
“If I go there now and then don’t go out for three or four weeks, it is the same as making sure that I am ready to go during training,” said Stanton. “So that’s the thinking about it.”
Mike King, after eliminating six and allowing a race in four starts early on Saturday, said his goal this season is to shoot 100 entries with the Yankees – regardless of how they come.
“I don’t care where they are, if they’re starting, hitchhiking, long relief, whatever,” said King. “But I think that if I can contribute 100 solid entries to this team, I think it would be very beneficial for this season.”
Clint Frazier was scheduled to make the trip and play Saturday’s game, but the Yankees held him in Tampa. The player on the left tweeted that he was “fine”.