PHILADELPHIA — Most of Citizens Bank Park on Friday was still buzzing from the news earlier in the day that LeBron James was taking his talents to the City of Brotherly Love.
Aaron Boone included.
The Yankees manager, a longtime 76ers fan, was among those excited for James to be signing in Philadelphia on a two-year, $8 million deal at the age of 41.
“Looks like they got a pretty good starting five in the mix,” Boone said with a big grin before the Yankees opened a series against the Phillies.
“The East is getting interesting.”
Boone’s 76ers fandom stems from spending part of his childhood growing up here while his dad, Bob, was playing for the Phillies.
But he now manages in New York and has also gotten to know some of the Knicks’ personnel during his tenure, so naturally he was asked whether he favored the Knicks or 76ers heading into next season.
“The Knicks are the champs,” he said diplomatically. “But you bring Jaylen Brown in and LeBron, it’s two pretty good pieces I’d say.
“I’ll be watching with interest, I’m sure, this winter.”
Carlos Rodón (left elbow inflammation) is set to throw a “two-up” bullpen session Saturday — throwing a handful of pitches, sitting down and then getting back up for the equivalent of another inning — with about 35 pitches in total.
If he gets through that session without issue, he should advance to facing hitters by next week.
Boone said he still has “no idea” when Rodón might be ready to return to the rotation, though at this rate, he will almost certainly need to go on a rehab assignment.
Clarke Schmidt (Tommy John surgery) is scheduled to face hitters for a second time Sunday, throwing another simulated inning as he works toward a potential return later this season.
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Luis Gil (right shoulder inflammation) has advanced to facing hitters at the club’s player development complex, according to a video he posted on social media. … Dax Kilby, the Yankees’ first-round pick last summer, was activated off the injured list Friday for the first time this season at Single-A Tampa. The shortstop prospect, battling a hamstring injury, played in a rehab game in late May but then was out of action again until last week, when he played three rehab games without issue, clearing him to join Tampa’s roster.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
