Ryan McMahon’s defense adding flexibility to Yankees’ roster

Observations for Yankees spring training on Tuesday.

In short order

Ryan McMahon started at shortstop for the fourth time this spring and looked fine.

It sounds like the Yankees are comfortable with him starting the season as their backup shortstop, giving them more flexibility in how they construct their bench. “I think he could handle that,” Aaron Boone said.

Yankees shortstop Ryan McMahon (19) throws to first against the Minnesota Twins in the fourth inning during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Up for a challenge

Jake Bird had an inning-ending Strike 3 turned into Ball 4 via the ABS challenge system, but the Yankees reliever rebounded by striking out the next batter, giving him three punch-outs in a scoreless inning.

Caught my eye

Yovanny Cruz continued to turn heads by throwing another scoreless inning of relief with two strikeouts and a sinker that averaged 100.3 mph. He was delayed earlier in camp by a shoulder issue, likely costing him a chance to break camp with the team, but is putting himself in the conversation to help at some point this season. “If he throws strikes, he can impact things,” Boone said.

Wednesday’s schedule

Fifty-three weeks removed from Tommy John surgery, Gerrit Cole will make his spring debut against the Red Sox at Steinbrenner Field, set to throw an inning as he continues his comeback.

[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]