Yankees Spring Training Kicks Off: Judge, Rodriguez, and World Baseball Classic Buzz

TAMPA – The wait is over. The New York Yankees have officially begun their Grapefruit League schedule after four days of full-squad workouts at Steinbrenner Field. The team faces the Orioles in Sarasota, Florida, on Friday, marking the start of a highly anticipated spring season.

Rodriguez to Start, WBC-Bound Players Depart

Exciting pitching prospect Elmer Rodriguez will take the mound for the Yankees in their first game. Rodriguez, acquired from the Red Sox last offseason, is quickly making a name for himself. He’s slated to represent Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC), alongside several other Yankees players. Infielders Jazz Chisholm Jr., José Caballero, and Amed Rosario, along with catcher Austin Wells, will also be departing camp next weekend to join their respective WBC teams.

Judge’s Spring Debut and WBC Commitment

All eyes will be on Aaron Judge as he makes his spring debut on Saturday against the Detroit Tigers, starting in right field. He’s also set to play as the designated hitter on Sunday against the Mets. Manager Aaron Boone intends to get Judge into four or five of the Yankees’ first nine games before he joins Team USA for the WBC, where he will serve as captain. Judge’s leadership and performance will be crucial for Team USA’s success. You can find more information about Team USA’s roster and schedule on MLB.com.

Rodriguez: A Rising Star

The 22-year-old Rodriguez impressed last season, boasting a 2.58 ERA with 176 strikeouts in 150 innings across three levels of minor league play. Boone expressed his excitement about Rodriguez’s potential, stating, “He’s one of those guys that I hadn’t seen really in person, but one of those few guys you get excited to come down here and see. I think he’s got a chance to be a starting pitcher in this league for a long time.”

Other Camp Notes

• Rafael Montero, a reliever from the Dominican Republic, is currently delayed in reporting to camp due to paperwork and visa issues.
• Will Warren delivered a strong live batting practice session on Thursday, striking out Cody Bellinger, Giancarlo Stanton, and Judge consecutively. His fastball consistently hit 93-96 mph.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Yankees navigate Spring Training and prepare for the 2024 season!