TAMPA — Yankees Captain Set for Limited Play Before World Baseball Classic

Aaron Judge, the Yankees’ captain, will miss several weeks in March but will be present for the early part of the Grapefruit League games.

Manager Aaron Boone indicated on Sunday that Judge is expected to participate in four or five of the first nine spring training games before heading off to represent Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. Boone noted that Judge’s arm is “fully healed” from flexor tendonitis he dealt with last summer.

“I need to ramp up my workload in the week before the WBC,” Boone mentioned at Steinbrenner Field. “I want to prepare him properly. He had played six innings in a game before, so I aim to get him ready to handle nine innings when the time comes.”

Boone added, “I want to make sure we’re building him back safely and effectively.”

This spring, Boone typically involves veterans in Grapefruit League activities, but Judge is set to leave the camp on March 1 for national duties.

Regarding Judge’s elbow, he is well into his recovery after taking some time off from pitching during the offseason, and initial signs are promising.

“He’s throwing the ball really well right now,” Boone shared.

In other news, promising pitcher Elmer Rodriguez showcased his skills during two innings of batting practice on Sunday. Boone expressed enthusiasm, saying, “I’m a huge fan. I see a really bright future for him as a starting pitcher. He has a varied arsenal and a solid understanding of pitching. He could be quite good in that role.”

“Looking at him, I think he’s destined to be a starter in this league for many years,” Boone added, reflecting on his early impressions.

Cam Schrittler sat out on Sunday but is set to return to the mound for a bullpen session on Tuesday following treatment for mid-back and left latissimus dorsi inflammation.

The right-hander has been catching every day, except Sundays, while focusing on recovery.

Ben Rice, who experienced neck tightness in the initial days of camp, resumed hitting on Sunday and faced Rodriguez, along with pitchers Tim Hill and Angel Chivili during batting practice.

Boone reported that all players showed up as anticipated on Sunday with no new injuries following the physical assessments. Max Fried, meanwhile, pitched two innings of live batting practice, completing around 35 pitches.