PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — In a perfect world, the Yankees didn't win a bullpen spot this spring due to the healthy top eight relievers.
In fact, it appears that there are at least two jobs to win in the last 10 days of camp.
The Yankees appear to have six locks in the bullpen. Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, Tim Hill, Fernando Cruz, Ian Hamilton, Markwriter Jr.
The last two names on that list have some viewing. Hamilton dealt with the infection early this spring and hasn't pitched in the game yet, but he should have plenty of time to prepare.
Meanwhile, the writer has not been thrown into the Grapefruitreeg match since March 6th.
He was supposed to pitch against the Tigers on Thursday, but felt something on his back so the Yankees decided to play it safely and stop him.
Righty is scheduled to throw live batting practice on Sunday.
“It wasn't anything big. I think he just wanted to be safe with it,” manager Aaron Boone said Saturday after a ray of light and a 7-7 tie at Charlotte Sports Park.
The Yankees already deal with injuries to Scott Ephelos (Hamstring Co.), Jake Cousins (forearm tension) and Tyler Matzek (Axis Co.).
These set-offs have opened doors for others to take advantage of, and are being considered by Yondris Gomez (outside the minor league option and seeing his speed etched in his rescue role this spring), Yerry de Los Santos (on the roster of 40), and non-roster invitees Geoff Hartlieb and Colten Brewer.
Despite a rough outing on Saturday, Hartreeve in particular opened his eyes this spring as an arm that could help the Yankees.
The 31-year-old right-hander pitched 7.37 ERA for parts of his five seasons alongside the Pirates, Mets, Marlins and Rockies, but more possibilities emerged this spring.
“Really good,” Boone said before Hartreeve walked three times and gave up two hits in two thirds of the innings. “Command, staff, pitching. He had a great camp and was just like anyone who popped out at me.”
The bats at Jasson Dominguez continued to get hot on Saturday as the left fielder sucked the RBI triple into the gap and later added the RBI single to the left.
Oswald Cabrera started on Saturday at right field as the Yankees continue to keep him moving to keep him fighting for their starting third-based work.
Carlos Rodon pitched live batting practice in Tampa on Saturday, continuing to accumulate towards the start of the first day.
Cam Schlittler (Pirates) and Brandon Leibrandt (Rays) will start their Split-Squad game on Sunday, with Clark Schmidt facing the Blue Jays on Monday and frying against the Red Sox on Tuesday.
