Judge’s Spring Training Return: No Rust in Sight
Aaron Judge made his highly anticipated return to the diamond in spring training, and the 9-3 victory over the Houston Astros on Saturday at George M. Steinbrenner Field certainly felt like a homecoming. After a grueling 2024 season, which saw him play more games than in any other professional year, Judge was given a well-deserved breather by manager Aaron Boone. The break seemed to have done wonders for the Yankees’ captain, as he picked up right where he left off in the World Series. In his first at-bat, Judge struck out looking, but he quickly made amends in the third inning. With runners on second and third and one out, Judge lined a high fastball from Astros lefty Bennett Sousa into left field, driving in two runs and giving the Yankees a commanding 3-1 lead. It was a telling moment, as teams are usually hesitant to pitch to Judge with men in scoring position, but he capitalized on the rare opportunity. Judge’s performance, finishing 1-for-2 with two RBIs, is a reassuring sign for Yankees fans eager to see their star player back in action.
LeMahieu’s Spring Debut: A Mixed Bag
DJ LeMahieu also made his spring training debut on Saturday, a game that could be pivotal in his quest to secure the starting third baseman role. Coming off an injury-plagued 2024, LeMahieu is determined to bounce back and prove his worth. Starting as the designated hitter, the veteran infielder had a less stellar outing. In his first at-bat, LeMahieu struck out swinging on four pitches, and he followed it up with a flyout in his second. Despite his hitless performance, the Yankees’ coaching staff will be monitoring LeMahieu closely. His experience and leadership are invaluable, and the team is hopeful that he will find his form as spring training progresses.
Ben Rice: Power at the Plate
Ben Rice, a candidate for the backup catcher position, made a strong impression during his spring training debut. Starting behind the plate, Rice showcased his power in his second at-bat by smashing a slider over the right-field wall with an exit velocity of 113.3 mph, the hardest hit of his entire 2024 season across all levels. This home run is a clear indicator of his potential and why he is being considered for the Opening Day roster. Rice finished the game 1-for-3 with a strikeout, but his display of power is a promising sign for the Yankees, who are always on the lookout for depth and versatility.
Prospect Power: George Lombard Jr.’s First Blast
One of the bright spots on Saturday was the performance of prospect George Lombard Jr., who started at third base. The 19-year-old got the Yankees’ scoring started in the third inning with a 414-foot home run, his first of the spring. While Lombard Jr. won’t be making the Opening Day roster, this impressive blast reinforces the reason why many publications have him ranked among the top Yankees prospects. Lombard Jr. finished the game 1-for-2 with that home run, demonstrating his potential and the bright future that lies ahead for the Yankees’ farm system.
Bullpen Depth: De Los Santos and Gomez Shine
With injuries to key bullpen arms like Jake Cousins and Jonathan Loaisiga still ongoing, the Yankees are in need of reliable back-of-the-bullpen options. Two promising arms, Yerry De Los Santos and Yoendrys Gomez, stepped up on Saturday. De Los Santos was nothing short of dominant, striking out one batter and retiring all four he faced in 1.2 perfect innings. Gomez was solid as well, allowing just a single walk in his 0.2 innings of work. Their performances provide a ray of hope for the Yankees, who are always seeking to fortify their bullpen. Both pitchers will likely continue to see significant innings as the team evaluates their readiness for the regular season.
Young Talent: Volpe, Chisholm, and Dominguez
Three projected Opening Day starters, Anthony Volpe, Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Jasson Dominguez, were featured in Saturday’s lineup. Volpe and Chisholm started together in the middle infield, a combination the Yankees are keen to develop. Chisholm Jr. was the only one to get a hit, going 1-for-3 with a run scored and a strikeout from the leadoff spot. Volpe, on the other hand, struck out all three times he came to bat. Dominguez, manning left field, went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts. Despite the strikeouts, there were no signs of the odd plays or tracking issues that occasionally plagued Dominguez in the past. The performances of these young talents will be closely watched as they prepare for the upcoming season, with the Yankees hoping they can contribute significantly to the team’s success.
Building Momentum: Yankees’ Five-Run Seventh Inning
The Yankees’ offense came to life in the seventh inning, putting up five runs to seal their victory. Jesus Rodriguez contributed with an RBI single, and Cole Gabrielson delivered the knockout blow with a grand slam. This explosive inning not only showcased the depth of the Yankees’ lineup but also highlighted the team’s ability to score in bunches, a crucial trait in high-stakes games. The Astros managed to score three runs, with Jeremy Pena, Luis Castro, and Cam Smith each contributing. However, the Yankees’ dominant performance in the seventh inning left no doubt about who was in control.
Looking Ahead: Braves in Venice
The Yankees will continue their spring training journey with a trip to Venice, Florida, to face the Atlanta Braves on Sunday. The game is scheduled to start at 1:05 p.m., and it promises to be an exciting matchup. Marcus Stroman will take the mound for the Yankees, while the Braves will counter with Reynaldo Lopez. With the regular season just around the corner, these games are crucial for players to fine-tune their skills and for the coaching staff to make final roster decisions. The Yankees will look to build on their solid performance and gain more momentum as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season.
