TAMPA – Luke Voit was scratched in Tuesday’s game against the Tigers in Lakeland, Florida, with what manager Aaron Boone called “a little knee pain”.
Boone added that he believes the first baseman should be “ready to go” on Thursday, and he was on the field doing defensive exercises on first base and hitting in the cage before Wednesday’s game against Pirates at Steinbrenner Field .
Clint Frazier appears to be fine after hitting the left field wall on Tuesday, according to Boone.
Frazier was not scheduled to play on Wednesday, and Boone said the outfielder texted him that he was “feeling strong”.
Frazier remained in Tuesday’s game for an inning before being removed and is expected to be in lineup on Thursday against the Phillies in Clearwater, Florida.
Deivi Garcia is defending a place in the rotation, and Boone said the team wants to keep him as a starter before using him in the bullpen.
“Deivi is someone we think is a great starter in this league, ” said Boone. “As an industry, you always want to exhaust the chance for someone to start because of the value. As much as people talk about the devaluation of initiators, the reality is that they are more valuable than ever. “
Other young pitchers can go to the bullpen if there is no room in the rotation, with Boone highlighting Nick Nelson, who could start when necessary and throw several innings out of the corral.
“It is fluid, depending on the needs of the team and balancing this with the best way to develop them.”
Estevan Florial finally managed to get to camp and practice hitting live on Tuesday. He was dealing with visa issues. The 23-year-old made his debut for the Yankees last season, playing just one game.
The Yankees are dividing the days when Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon shoot, with Cole starting on Thursday against the Phillies and Taillon in line to go on Friday.