The Yankees fell to the Minnesota Twins on Thursday afternoon, losing by a final score of 8-4 in Tampa.
-Gerrit Cole looked good on the mound in the first, with his fastball topping out around 96 mph as he set the Twins down in order. The second inning was more of a struggle, though, as Cole allowed three hits and a sac fly to allow Minnesota to take a two-run lead. Then came the big blow, as Matt Wallner smashed a three-run homer to right on a 97 mph sinker.
Cole was lifted after that three-run homer, but he came back out to start the top of third. He allowed another home run, a solo shot to Brooks Lee, and his day came to an end after 2.2 innings. Cole allowed six runs (five earned) on five hits while striking out two hitters.
-It was also a rough day on the bump for Luke Weaver, who allowed a homer of his own to former Yankee Mike Ford. Weaver recorded just one out, allowing one run on two hits while striking out one and walking one.
Overall, Yankees pitching allowed four home runs on the afternoon.
-Anthony Volpe had an adventurous top of the second inning. After throwing a would-be double play ball away at first base, Volpe fielding a check-swing one-hopper with runners at the corners and one out. Instead of trying to turn two, Volpe tried to beat the runner racing back to third base, but everyone was safe and the inning continued.
Volpe also went 0-for-3 at the plate with a couple of strikeouts.
-Aaron Judge was the designated hitter for the Yankees, and he went 0-for-1 with two walks. With Judge DH-ing, Cody Bellinger started in right field, and he looked comfortable, playing a line drive off the wall perfectly to hold Lee to a single and prevent a run from scoring. Bellinger will be the starting center field for the Yankees come Opening Day, but it’s good to see him looking comfortable in the corners as well.
-J.C. Escarra, fighting for the backup catcher job, drove in a pair of runs in the bottom of the seventh. It wasn’t pretty, but the check-swing blooper dropped harmlessly in left center, scoring two runs.
Later, with two outs in the ninth, Escarra ripped a solo home run just over the wall in right center.
Escarra has bounced around the minor leagues and was playing independent baseball in 2022 and 2023, but he impressed in the Yankees’ minor league system last season, and is now fighting to back up Austin Wells.
Escarra, who continues to push for a spot on the Opening Day roster.
The Yankees host the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday night at 6:35 p.m.
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Yankees 4, Twins 8: Cole roughed up in second spring outing
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The Twins jumped on the Yankee ace’s shaky fastball command while a full-strength lineup went quiet.
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With a Yankees lineup card that mirrored a possible Opening Day starting nine, Thursday afternoon offered a portent of excitement for the upcoming campaign. Gerrit Cole cruised in the first inning, and while they did not score a run, the heart of the order gave pitcher Joe Ryan some trouble working good at bats and putting two runners on. Things quickly unraveled for Cole in the second, however, and the bats fell asleep in an 8-4 loss the team will want to toss out the window and forget.
After a tight nine-pitch first, Cole had some command issues in the second. He was tagged for five runs on four hits, with one run unearned due to an Anthony Volpe throwing error on a potential double-play ball that got away from him. Matt Wallner handed the big blow on Cole’s afternoon with a three-run blast. Granted, George M. Steinbrenner Field, which will be the Rays’ home this season, was the one 2025 MLB park where the 379-foot fly would have been a homer — but that won’t be an excuse in the regular season.
At 28 pitches in the second, Cole was removed from the game with Will Brian completing the second frame. Taking advantage of the spring training rules, Cole re-entered in the third inning, where he served up another long ball to Brooks Lee, giving Minnesota their sixth run off the ace. Overall, the Twins were able to attack his fastball, and had six hard-hit balls against him.
Unlike in his spring debut, Cole was unable to locate his fastball, with way too many right in the hitter’s sweet spot.
As made evident by Baseball Savant, the Twins were able to punish Cole for pitches in the middle of the zone.
On the positive end for Cole, we saw an uptick in his fastball velocity from his last outing, peaking at 97 mph with his fastball, averaging 95.6, which was just under his season average in 2024. His changeup continues to be a more featured in his arsenal with him throwing it at a 20-percent rate this outing, inducing two whiffs and one called strike.
In his first game action this spring, Luke Weaver struggled in the third inning. He fell behind on counts, and gave up a home run to former Yankee, and Twins non-roster invitee, Mike Ford, and struggled to throw strikes. He recorded just one out, allowing two hits, strikeout, and a walk off 21 pitches. Despite the results, Weaver did have some good swing and miss stuff, getting eight whiffs, five on his changeup.
The newly acquired Fernando Cruz gave up the fourth home run of the game to the Twins when erstwhile New York farmhand Mickey Gasper took him deep, but he recorded four outs in relief and that was the lone hit he allowed.
The Yankees gave Twins starter Joe Ryan trouble early with an Aaron Judge walk and a sharp Cody Bellinger single up the middle, giving the team runners on first and third with one down in the first. Alas, Ryan was able to strike out Paul Goldschmidt and Jazz Chisholm Jr., the latter ending on an overturned ball call with the new ABS challenge system. Following that early spark, the Bombers were held to just two hits over the course of five innings. The Yankees got on the scoreboard in the sixth inning, with big help with some fielding miscues by Minnesota.
The kids were able to do some damage in the seventh, highlighted by 108.2-mph barrel single by Everson Pereira. The youngsters were able to put up four runs late to cover for the veterans going silent in the first half of the game. Backup catcher candidate J.C. Escarra in particular went 2-for-3 with three RBI and a dinger in the ninth off Ryan Jensen.
With the excitement of seeing the A-squad today, this game was a letdown. The Yankees are back at it tomorrow for a 6:35pm ET start against the Blue Jays. Marcus Stroman will get his third starts as he figures to be a bigger factor now with Luis Gil sidelined for at least three months.
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Should Yankees be concerned with Gerrit Cole’s spring training performance? | Baseball Night in NY
Concerns are rising regarding Gerrit Cole’s unsettling performance during a Yankees spring training game where he struggled against the Twins. The discussion also touches on Austin Wells leading off for the Yankees and Cody Bellinger’s efforts to regain his prime performance. Analysts contemplate what Cole’s shaky outing might signify as the season approaches.
While past performances bolster Cole’s track record, his recent outing may be indicative of deeper issues, and fans are cautious about interpreting spring struggles as a harbinger of the regular season.
The Yankees will be closely monitoring Cole’s next appearances to gauge whether this performance was a one-off as they approach opening day and what implications it may have for their pitching lineup.
Gerrit Cole’s spring training performance serves as a cautionary signal for the Yankees, emphasizing the need for consistent pitching ahead of the regular season. Their decisions regarding player placements like Wells may reflect their attempt to bolster the lineup in response to emerging concerns.
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Austin Wells is stepping into the leadoff role for the Yankees this spring, a position he has never occupied in his baseball career. Manager Aaron Boone is seriously considering him for the slot in the upcoming season, which would mark a significant first as no catcher has ever batted leadoff for the Yankees in over 18,000 games. Wells, known for his on-base abilities, hit .229 with 13 homers and 55 RBIs last season. He expresses enthusiasm for the opportunity, illustrating readiness to adapt to team needs. The Yankees are evaluating this move amid their lineup dynamics and the absence of power hitter Giancarlo Stanton.
While many believe Jazz Chisholm Jr. fits the traditional leadoff mold, Boone may favor his power and athleticism in the middle of the lineup instead. This presents a tactical decision as Boone seeks to maximize lineup productivity during Stanton’s absence.
The Yankees will continue to evaluate Wells in the leadoff position during spring games, with Boone likely to finalize his decision before the regular season starts. If successful, Wells could set a historic precedent for catchers in the roster.
Austin Wells’ potential move to the leadoff spot represents a unique opportunity for both the player and the Yankees, showcasing the team’s flexibility in lineup strategy. This shift could redefine how catchers are utilized, breaking new ground in franchise history.
Read more at MLB.com
The summary of the linked article was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence technology from OpenAI
Aaron Judge is optimistic as he returns to right field for the Yankees in the 2025 season, following a disappointing 2024 World Series loss. With key additions like Cody Bellinger and Max Fried, Judge aims to lead the team back to championship glory. He emphasizes the importance of integrating new talents and is excited about the dynamics of playing alongside Bellinger, especially in terms of coordination and communication on the field. Judge acknowledges the tough competition in the AL East but is ready to embrace the challenge.
The Yankees will focus on building team chemistry with their new players, while facing an increasingly competitive AL East. As the season progresses, their adaptability and performance in high-stakes games will be crucial for a successful playoff run.
Judge’s transition back to right field signifies a strategic shift for the Yankees. His leadership will be vital as the team navigates a challenging division and aims for their first championship in 16 years.
Read more at MLB.com
The summary of the linked article was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence technology from OpenAI
Giancarlo Stanton returned to Yankees camp after an 11-day absence to receive treatment for elbow injuries. He has undergone two PRP injections, with a third planned for Monday to address ongoing pain that limited him throughout the last season. Stanton is expected to begin the season on the injured list, as the team is cautious about his recovery, aiming for a long-term solution rather than immediate surgery. Manager Aaron Boone indicated that Stanton’s condition will dictate the pace of his rehabilitation and return to play.
The Yankees will closely monitor Stanton’s response to the PRP injections, hoping for a steady improvement that leads to a return in the upcoming season. His absence could alter the lineup, possibly increasing Aaron Judge’s role as DH.
Stanton’s recovery plan emphasizes patience, with the Yankees prioritizing long-term health over short-term games. The team must navigate his absence strategically as they prepare for the season.
Read more at MLB.com
The summary of the linked article was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence technology from OpenAI
Gerrit Cole, the ace of the New York Yankees, is under scrutiny following an MRI on his pitching elbow caused by discomfort after a challenging spring training start. In his latest outing, Cole allowed six earned runs in just 2 2/3 innings against the Minnesota Twins, raising concerns about his health as he averaged 95.7 mph on his fastballs. This marks a troubling trend as he faced elbow issues last spring, which sidelined him until mid-June. The Yankees are anxiously awaiting updates on his condition, as losing Cole would severely impact their rotation, already missing key players.
Despite Cole’s struggle, he had a strong first start of spring training, indicating potential for recovery. Critics might argue that his previous elbow issues could impact his performance this season, emphasizing the importance of his health.
The Yankees will closely monitor Cole’s MRI results to determine his availability for the upcoming season. If he is sidelined, they may have to rely on less proven pitchers to fill the gap.
Cole’s health is pivotal for the Yankees; any significant injury would derail their championship aspirations in a season filled with high expectations and recent roster shifts.
Read more at Yahoo Sports
The summary of the linked article was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence technology from OpenAI
The injury bug continues to haunt the New York Yankees this spring. Ace right-hander Gerrit Cole is the latest to come down with an injury scare. The 34-year-old is experiencing right elbow discomfort and will undergo an MRI to assess the severity of the injury, according to multiple reports. Last spring, Cole dealt with nerve inflammation and edema in his pitching elbow, which forced him to miss the first two-and-a-half months of the season. The 2023 Cy Young winner has made two starts this spring, but allowed six runs on Thursday against the Minnesota Twins in 2.2 innings. Cole returned…
Read more at Sportsnet.ca
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