The New York Yankees are surrounded by fresh buzz. Here are a few news stories out of the Bronx today to help you get your proper Yankees fix.
The New York Yankees notched win no. 20 in spring training and everything is looking quite fabulous for the Yankees.
In fact, some players performed exceptionally but with the overload of talent they have, they had to get demoted. Andrew Marchand of ESPN reported this morning that the Yankees opted to send Clint Frazier, Dustin Fowler and Billy McKinney to minor league camp.
Clint Frazier, *Dustin Fowler and Billy McKinney are also being sent to minor league camp.
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) March 24, 2017
While all made a huge impression in Tampa, their time to shine will have to come in the future. McKinney performed the best of bunch by batting .417 with three home runs this spring.
In addition to Frazier, Fowler and McKinney’s departures from camp, the Yankees also chose to option young right-hander Luis Cessa to the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders. This was reported by several outlets, including beat writer Mark Feinsand.
The Yankees optioned Luis Cessa to Triple-A SWB. Also Reassigned Ji-Man Choi, Dustin Fowler, Clint Frazier, Jason Gurka & Billy McKinney.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) March 24, 2017
While Cessa was competing for a rotation spot, his 6.52 ERA just wasn’t up to par with the other candidates. We’ve discussed Cessa before and determined that he would fare better to work on his skills in the minors this season.
For one of the veteran starters, Friday didn’t go so well for him. CC Sabathia pitched 5.2 innings but struggled in the Yankees 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies.
In 12 innings pitched this spring, Sabathia owns a 6.75 ERA, the worst of the pitchers competing for a starting spot this spring.
After his rough outing, it was announced that he would start in the second game of the Yankees opening series against the Tampa Bay Rays. This was reported by Newsday Sports reporter Anthony Rieber.
Joe Girardi says CC Sabathia will start the #Yankees' second game of the season | @therealarieber https://t.co/cG6GkqFqpx pic.twitter.com/9uXvkyx2Ye
— Newsday Sports (@NewsdaySports) March 24, 2017
While slots 1-3 in the rotation are selected (Masahiro Tanaka, Sabathia, Michel Pineda), the rest of the rotation is still up in the air.
The Yankees highlights end on a light note today. While Joe Girardi reported that the right field competition is too close to call right now, Aaron Hicks made an effort to win over fans. And fell flat on his face. Literally.
I fear you are underestimating @AaronHicks31 sneakiness, sir.#YANKSonYES pic.twitter.com/xEcBB6cPj7
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) March 24, 2017
Well, that’s all for today’s highlights for the Yankees. However, knowing them, there will be plenty more to come.