Another week of spring training is finished for the New York Yankees, and hopeful prospects continue to impress. With opening day right around the corner, these next two weeks will be critical for those players competing for roster spots.
P – Will Warren
This week was tough for Will Warren, going three innings against Baltimore and surrendering three walks, three hits, and one earned run. However, he did manage to ring up two strikeouts and was credited with the win.
P – Clayton Beeter
Clayton Beeter continued to impress in his split-squad outing against the Phillies, tossing four shutout innings while only allowing a pair of hits. He also rang up four and didn’t allow any walks.
C – Austin Wells
Austin Wells had a huge week, improving his slash to .286/.375/.667 with a pair of home runs, eight RBIs, and a stolen base. The competition for the starting catcher’s position began heating up this week with the return of Platinum Glove Award-winning catcher José Trevino. Still, Wells is not making the decision easy for the Yankees’ front office.
INF – Jorbit Vivas
Vivas didn’t move the needle with his bat this week, but with Oswaldo Cabrera on the injured list, Vivas is making a case for an opening-day roster position. He has shown good defensive range but has struggled at the plate. That isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker for what will likely be a bench position, but Aaron Boone is going to want to see better production.
INF – George Lombard Jr.
Lombard had a light week, with only two at-bats. The looks he got at the plate were good, and he has shown an ability to remain patient despite striking out. Considering Lombard is not yet an everyday player, any production the team can get this spring should be viewed positively.
OF – Everson Pereira
Everson Pereira got more consistent at-bats this week, resulting in better productivity. He had three RBIs and a pair of base hits in ten at-bats while only striking out twice. His best day at the plate came as a designated hitter, but the Yankees will want more out of the young left-fielder if he is to become a consideration off the bench this season.
OF – Spencer Jones
Jones didn’t get much playing time this week but did see two at-bats. He reached on a catcher’s interference and grounded out. Jones has yet to swing and miss at a single pitch this spring, so the work he put in to reduce his strikeout rate appears to be working.
INF – Roderick Arias
Arias made his spring debut this week but only saw a single at-bat. He made the most of it, however, by singling on a fly ball to left field. Arias will make another appearance in the upcoming spring breakout but will be reassigned to the minor league system to start the season.
The Week Ahead
The Yankees will have an off day next Tuesday, and their schedule is:
Wednesday: vs Boston – 1:05 PM
Thursday: @Detroit – 1:05 PM
Friday: vs Pittsburgh – 6:35 PM
Saturday: vs Toronto – 1:05 PM (Spring Breakout Game)
Sunday: @Boston – 1:05 PM
Monday: vs Philadelphia – 1:05 PM
