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TAMPA — The Yankees are preparing for a temporary goodbye to their captain in March, but they’re ensuring he remains active on the field until then.
Before Aaron Judge departs to lead Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, he is expected to participate in four or five of the first nine Grapefruit League games, according to manager Aaron Boone. On Sunday, Boone confirmed that Judge is “full go” with his arm, having recovered from a flexor strain that troubled him last summer.
“I need to ramp up his workload in the initial week leading into the WBC,” Boone explained at Steinbrenner Field. “I want to get him to a point where, by the time he leaves, he’s been able to play six innings in a game. My current plan is to have him participate in four or five of the first nine games, ensuring he’s well-prepared to play full nine-inning games when he joins Team USA.”
Boone emphasized the importance of this preparation, stating, “I want to make sure we increase his activity level as safely as possible.”
Typically, Boone would gradually bring veterans into Grapefruit League games during spring training. However, this year demands a different approach as Judge is scheduled to depart camp on March 1 to take on the role of right fielder for Team USA.
As for Judge’s elbow, he took a couple of weeks off from throwing in the offseason before beginning to ramp back up, with all indications being that it has gone smoothly to date.
“He’s throwing the ball really well right now,” Boone said.
Elmer Rodríguez, one of the top Yankees pitching prospects, flashed his potential across two innings of live batting practice Sunday afternoon.
“Big fan,” Boone said. “Another guy that I think has a really, really bright future as a starting pitcher. I think he’s got a chance to be a really good starter. He can do a lot of things with the ball on the mound. He’s got a number of different pitches, he’s got real good feel to pitch.
“When I watch him, I look at him and think, ‘That guy’s going to be a starter in this league for a long time.’ That’s my early impressions.”
Cam Schlittler had Sunday off from throwing, but he is scheduled to get back on the mound for a bullpen session Tuesday, which would be his first since the Yankees slowed him down because of mid-back and left lat inflammation.
Aside from Sunday, the right-hander has been playing catch every day while getting treatment on his back.
Ben Rice, who was dealing with a stiff neck in the first few days of camp, resumed hitting Sunday, facing Rodríguez and relievers Tim Hill and Angel Chivilli in live batting practice.
Boone said all position players reported as expected Sunday and at least as of the afternoon, no new injuries had popped up during their physicals. … Max Fried threw two innings of live batting practice Sunday, building up to around 35 pitches.