The New York Yankees took on the Detroit Tigers on Friday, securing a 6-2 victory heading into the weekend. Unfortunately, the Yankees assigned a bevy of players to alternate sites, whether it be minor-league affiliates or a holding stage.
As for the win over Detroit, newly acquired starting pitcher Jameson Taillon lasted 2.2 innings, securing four strikeouts and allowing two hits, and walking three batters. A 17 pitch first inning was not exactly how he anticipated starting his career in pinstripes, but he didn’t allow any runs, showing his ability to work out of trouble. Spring training is meant for development, though, and while Taillon struggled to find the strike zone at times, he showed resiliency, which is all you can ask.
In addition, veteran outfielder Brett Gardner continued his efficient spring, recording an RBI single in the second inning. One outfielder that has dominated is Jay Bruce, who recorded a single in his first at-bat against Detroit and has a .400 average this spring. I would be surprised if he wasn’t on the opening day roster, and it seems as if he’s taking this opportunity seriously with the Yankees.
The only negatives worth mentioning were offensive, with Clint Frazier striking out twice over three at-bats, currently hosting a .176 average. Frazier is expected to take over as the starter in left field, and while that narrative hasn’t changed, he needs to pick up his offensive production soon, otherwise, Bruce could be pushing for action early on in the 2021 season.
This post was published on 2021-03-13 07:55