TAMPA — Next stop for Elmer Rodríguez: Puerto Rico, for a chance to pitch in front of his family.
The Yankees pitching prospect made his second and final start Thursday before leaving for the World Baseball Classic this weekend, continuing to flash his pitchability across three innings in a 7-3 win over the Braves.
“I feel like I’m building the momentum to [the WBC],” said Rodríguez, who scattered two hits and one walk for two runs while striking out four. “The past couple games felt great. So trying to keep going and see where I’m at in another week and a half.”
Rodríguez believes he is in line to pitch Puerto Rico’s third game of pool play against Cuba on March 9 at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan.
It will be a special setting for the 22-year-old, who has not pitched on his home soil since being drafted by the Red Sox in 2021 (and then flipped to the Yankees last winter for catcher Carlos Narváez).
“I’ve always wanted to pitch in front of my family,” Rodríguez said. “So getting the chance to pitch there, all the fans from Puerto Rico follow me and support me, so I’m just trying to go out there and put on a show for them.”
Giancarlo Stanton remains on track to make his spring debut either Sunday or Tuesday, as the Yankees slow-play him into games to keep him as healthy as possible.
The veteran DH, who has said all along he will have to manage the pain in his elbows due to tendinitis, has been getting his work in mostly behind the scenes during the first week of games, but was out in right field Thursday morning getting some reads on balls during batting practice.
“No change,” Boone said. “He’s been doing well. He’s ready to roll.”
Ryan McMahon once again went the other way for a two-run double off Carlos Carrasco in the first inning against the Braves, flashing more opposite-field ability with his shortened stance.
“He’s capable of that,’ Boone said. “And he’s got big power that way too. So he can drive the ball the other way with authority.”
Joe Torre arrived at camp Thursday, spending time around the batting cage before the game and then sitting with Boone during the game.
“I love having him around,” Boone said. “I just like being around him. Guys love seeing him. So as long as he keeps wanting to do it, I’m going to keep on inviting him.”
Randal Grichuk, who agreed to a minor league deal with the Yankees on Wednesday night, had not yet arrived to camp as of Thursday.
But the veteran outfielder will receive $2.5 million if he makes the Yankees, noti.group’s Joel Sherman reported.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
