CLEVELAND — The Yankees got an unexpected second consecutive day off Friday as their series opener against the Guardians was postponed.
Before we get back to building on a 10-3 start, here’s a look at how the club fared after two weeks of games, including a rainout and doubleheader at Progressive Field on Saturday.
catchy tandem
Through 13 games, the Yankees had an even split between Austin Wells and Jose Trevino, with Wells starting seven games and Trevino six.
That number might have been a little more biased toward Wells if the Marlins hadn’t started a left-handed pitcher for three consecutive games against the Yankees (which would have resulted in Jon Barty starting three games at third base opposite Oswaldo Cabrera). fulfilled).
Aaron Boone said the day-to-day catcher decisions will be made based on matchups and that he doesn’t want to lock in a specific starter to either catcher.
That said, Wells has caught all three of Carlos Rodon’s starts and two of Lewis Hill, while Trevino has caught each of Nestor Cortez’s three starts.
Neither catcher has shown much offensive power yet in small sample sizes, but Wells put together some tough at-bats in the season-opening series against the Astros, and his fundamental metrics are better than his actual numbers. ing.
According to Baseball Savant, the left-handed hitter has an expected batting average of .284 (actual batting average of .130), thanks in part to a 15.8 percent barrel rate.
Trevino, on the other hand, had just 1 hit in 18 at bats (.056) with an expected batting average of .110.
What’s the deal with that?
The Yankees and Guardians made a small trade the day after Christmas, sending right-hander Cody Morris to New York and outfielder Esteban Florial to Cleveland. Florial is expected to be the only one at Progressive Field when the series opens Saturday, giving Morris an option to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, but roster flexibility is in its 26th year. was a key part of the trade for the Yankees in 2009, but the older Florial was out of the minor league options.
Through the Guardians’ first 12 games, Florial appeared in six games, including three starts at DH, one game in center field, and two games as a pinch hitter. He had 2 hits for 14 at bats with a .536 OPS and seven strikeouts, but similar swing and error issues prevented him from becoming a major factor with the Yankees.
Meanwhile, Morris is off to a good start in the swingman role at SWB. In three appearances (including one two-inning start), Morris pitched 7 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing three hits and five walks, with nine strikeouts. If he can improve his command, he could help the Yankees’ bullpen at some point this season.
Prospect check-in
Speaking of Yankees minor leaguers, there are two who are off to a strong start:
— Caleb Durbin had some organizational eye-opening in major league camp this spring before being optioned to Triple-A, where he continues to hit.
Starting at second base, third base, shortstop, left field and center field, the 24-year-old utility man was a perfect 7-for-7 with a batting average of .385, an OPS of 1.160, 11 walks and three strikeouts. Ta. He had the most stolen bases through 11 games.
The 5-foot-6 Durbin, known as a gamer, was acquired from the Braves in December 2022 along with reliever Lucas Luetsch (along with reliever Indigo Diaz).
Durbin, a right-handed hitter, is not yet on the Yankees’ 40-man roster, but if he keeps up his form, he could be there soon.
— The Yankees have been improving their catcher depth recently, with four backstops currently on the 40-man roster.
Agustín Ramirez’s start to the season may only reinforce that idea.
At Double-A Somerset, Ramirez hit four home runs in his first five games entering Friday.
The 22-year-old catcher, who was added to the 40-man roster in November to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, got his first taste of major league camp this spring.
