We’re now in spring training and less than a week away from the World Baseball Classic, where players from both teams today will be representing their respective countries. The Yankees and Blue Jays will both send multiple contestants to the WBC, but in the meantime, two AL East hopefuls will face off at Steinbrenner Field.
Paul Blackburn gets the ball in his second spring game looking to prove his bullpen role with the MLB club. His brief, albeit brief, spell at the club after coming over from Queens last year didn’t go down well, but Matt Black has previously had some success with the sinker-knife combo, which is Blackburn’s main product.
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Meanwhile, José Berríos has had a difficult few months. He was in Illinois for the Blue Jays’ World Series, effectively abandoning the club and returning home to Puerto Rico. This led to a lot of discussion about the veteran’s commitment to the team, and in the midst of his apology, Berrios was informed that he was one of several Puerto Rican players unable to insure the WBC and would miss the event. The time in training camp may be best for him personally as he’s still rehabbing his right bicep, but Puerto Rico is a proud baseball machine and missing what could be his final Classic game will certainly put pressure on Berrios.
We get a pretty representative lineup today, with only ninth hitter Spencer Jones not expected to be on the Opening Day roster. Trent Grisham, Aaron Judge and Jazzy Chisholm Jr. form a very strong front three. Note that versatile Amed Rosario was scheduled to start the nine at third base, but was scratched about an hour before the first pitch and NRI Jonathan Ornelas took his place. According to reports, this will be Rosario’s last start before traveling to the Dominican Republic for the World Baseball Classic, so the injury is possible.
How to watch
Place: George M. Steinbrenner Stadium – Tampa, Florida
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first pitch: 1:05 p.m. ET
telecast: Yes
Live online: Gotham Sports App
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