Yankees Pitching Dynamics and Spring Training Highlights
LAKELAND, Fla. — Jasson Dominguez was well aware he’d be up against Justin Verlander the next day at Joker Merchant Stadium. However, Will Warren discovered this only when he got to the park and spotted the future Hall of Famer getting ready to pitch in the Grapefruit League.
“I didn’t realize he was the starter until I went to warm up,” Warren commented. “He was just doing his thing, and I thought, ‘Guess I’ll move on.’ He’s been doing this way longer than I have.”
Warren put together a solid performance, pitching six innings. This adds to a commendable season where he’s already started 33 games—only Giants ace Logan Webb can top that.
LaVar’s transition to third base seems to have been beneficial, according to Warren, who mentioned it’s “opened up a lot of doors for him.”
“I feel like my pitching’s sharper now. I’m not lagging behind. It boosts my confidence—I believe I can get anyone out,” the right-handed pitcher added.
Max Fried is expected to kick off the season in San Francisco on March 25. Aaron Boone, following the Yankees’ 4-3 victory over the Tigers, hinted that he “has an idea” about the initial rotation, though he kept specifics under wraps.
Boone remarked on Warren’s ability to generate swing-and-miss moments and the efficiency of his pitching. The challenge now is for Warren to sidestep the kind of rough outings that troubled him last year.
“He seems to have another year of growth in him,” Boone noted.
With less than two weeks until the regular season begins, Boone has a clear picture of his top bullpen relievers but is still deciding on two final roster spots. On Thursday, Cade Winquest and Angel Civilli, two players acquired over the offseason, took the mound in their quest to secure these positions.
Winquest, brought in through a Rule 5 deal from St. Louis, delivered a scoreless inning. Meanwhile, Civilli, who joined from a trade with Colorado, pitched one inning but allowed a run.
Boone commented on Chibili, noting that while he’s shown promise, he has experienced his share of ups and downs. “Commanding the strike zone is crucial,” Boone asserted, emphasizing that while Chibili has the tools, consistency is key.
On Thursday, George Lombard Jr., Brendan Beck, and Ben Hess were reassigned to minor league camp. Lombard, who played second base against the Tigers, continues to demonstrate his defensive flexibility.
The Yankees are optimistic about Lombard returning to form, especially since the 20-year-old is on the mend. This spring, Lombard recorded five hits over 27 at-bats, including three extra-base hits, six walks, and had 12 strikeouts. Lombard, like Spencer Jones, who has also left the Major League squad, will still see playing time with the Major League roster.
