Port St. Lucy – Dedniel Nuñez's late start to the grapefruitregue season has been translated into minor league tickets.
Right-handed rescuers will be given the option to Triple A Syracuse on Sunday and will continue to accumulate for later consideration as an addition to the Metz Bullpen.
Núñez appeared in only two games this spring, and team officials didn't want to hurry him back.
Nuñez's slow build-up continued his absence from the team due to forearm tensions late last season.
In Syracuse, the goal is to pitch Nuñez beyond consecutive days and one inning.
“This is the right thing to do here. Especially when we're talking about someone who had an elbow problem last year, it's not fair to ask him after a few outings… when he's not ready,” Mendoza said. “He's going to go down to Triple A and we want to build him up.”
The decision made Max Kranick and Haskar Brazovan the two candidates for one bullpen spot.
AJ Minter has not yet been officially added to the bullpen, but the left-hander is scheduled to pitch for his second appearance in three days on Monday, and will be cleared to the first day roster unless there is a setback.
Minter returned from hip surgery last season.
Alexander Canalio homed twice with a 10-2 exhibition victory over the Marlins.
The 24-year-old outfielder has impressed team officials at camp, but he doesn't have a clear fit.
Canario is out of the minor league option.
“The power is real and I saw it today,” Mendoza said. “If he affects baseball, he can do some damage.”
Mendoza held a post-match media session by expressing his sadness to former Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner and his family.
Gardner's 14-year-old son Miller passed away Friday after falling ill on vacation.
Gardner and Mendoza were teammates in the Yankees' farm system.
Mendoza was later a Yankees coach when Gardner was a player.
Mendoza said his sons were friends with Miller Gardner.
