TAMPA — After years of nagging Aaron Boone about wanting to hit triples, Aaron Judge may be able to get his way more regularly this season.
On former hitting coach Sean Casey’s podcast “Sean Casey’s Mayor’s Office,” Judge said that he would like to play No. 3 next to Juan Soto in the Yankees’ batting lineup, which has been mostly fixed at two holes in recent years. Told.
“I may be behind the times in that regard, but all the great hitters I grew up watching wanted to be a three-hitter,” Judge said. “You want to be the guy that comes in at No. 3, the big slugger in the back. We have so much depth now. There’s nothing easy in our lineup right now.
“I’d especially like to see how well Soto gets into the game and hit a triple.” [base]. He’s an on-base and base-hitting machine. In addition to that, it also has power. He will hit over 30 home runs every year. But when he walks over his 100 times and he drives 100 times, you want to hit the back of that.I might be fighting him [for third]. I want to hit him in the back. ”
Boone said Friday that the request for Judge to hit triple base “has been going on for about six years.”
“His wish may finally come true,” Boone said with a laugh. “In the end, no matter what I decide, he usually works out. Even in the year he turned 62. [home runs] In the second half, he lost a bit of momentum, but I was leading him. He wasn’t here to win the home run title. That was the situation that made the most sense, lineup-wise and injuries-wise. [But] He always secretly asks, “What about number three?” It’s pretty applicable to me. ”
Nestor Cortés was one of those who was impressed by what he saw from Carlos Rodon early on.
The two left-handers have been training together at the Yankees’ complex since early January, and Cortez is encouraged by the sight.
“I met Rodon last year, and this year I met him day and night,” Cortez said. “I think it’s his order.” [is better] And clearly his velo has improved from last year.Last spring he was about 92 years old. [mph] perhaps.I saw him touching [97] The other day. So that’s encouraging for him. I know that’s where he wants to be. ”
The Yankees claimed right-handed reliever McKinley Moore from the Phillies on waivers on Friday.
The 25-year-old, who has two minor league options remaining, made his MLB debut last season, pitching 3 1/3 innings and allowing seven runs in three appearances.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Yankees placed Lou Trivino (rehabilitating from Tommy John surgery) on the 60-day injured list.
