TAMPA, Fla. — The brilliant optimism of the early days at Yankees camp has given approach to a harsh new actuality: The membership should pivot to a special Opening Day beginning pitcher within the wake of Gerrit Cole’s proper elbow harm.
With Nestor Cortes tabbed to start out Thursday’s opener, the primary such task of his profession, the Bombers will look just a little completely different than initially anticipated once they take the sphere at Houston’s Minute Maid Park. Let’s take one other swing at projecting the Opening Day roster:
Catchers (2): Jose Trevino, Austin WellsThough Trevino’s spring was delayed by a left calf pressure, the Gold Glover appears to be like wholesome, homering in his first Grapefruit League recreation. Wells has impressed together with his improved protection, although he isn’t assured to edge Ben Rortvedt for the backup job. Rortvedt is out of Minor League choices.
First baseman (1): Anthony RizzoThe fog from final 12 months’s concussion has lifted for Rizzo, and he has appeared to return to type offensively and defensively. If his spring outcomes translate into the season, Rizzo might be a contender for Comeback Participant of the 12 months.
Second baseman (1): Gleyber TorresTorres was one of many Yankees’ extra productive offensive gamers in 2023, slashing .273/.347/.453 with 25 homers and 68 RBIs in 158 video games. Getting into a contractual stroll 12 months in 2024, Torres led the Yanks final season in batting common, hits (163), extra-base hits (55), doubles (28) and multi-hit video games (46).
Shortstop (1): Anthony VolpeVolpe tweaked his swing throughout the offseason to fine-tune his bat path, aiming to supply extra degree cuts and do extra injury whereas lowering strikeouts. Of Volpe’s potential, hitting coach James Rowson mentioned: “When you may have a participant [who is] that good of an athlete who makes an adjustment, be careful.
Third baseman (1): Oswaldo CabreraDJ LeMahieu is sidelined with a bone bruise on his proper foot that makes it painful to stroll. On Monday, common supervisor Brian Cashman mentioned LeMahieu will begin the season on the injured checklist, that means Cabrera will likely be pressed into obligation on the scorching nook.
Designated hitter (1): Giancarlo StantonStanton is coming into the season leaner after slashing a career-worst .191/.275/.420 with 24 homers, 60 RBIs and an 87 OPS+ in 101 video games final season. Slowed by quite a few lower-half accidents in current campaigns, Stanton prioritized weight loss program and conditioning throughout the winter. He seems to be shifting a lot better in working drills.
Utility gamers (2): Kevin Smith, Jahmai JonesWith Oswald Peraza injured, Smith (a non-roster invitee) might have an opportunity to safe a spot, although there’s a sense that the ultimate items of their bench is probably not on the present roster. Jones can also be into account for a spot on the crew; he’s out of Minor League choices.
