Despite 8-4 loss to Twins, Yankees see encouraging signs from J.C. Escarra at the plate

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With a Yankees lineup resembling a possible Opening Day roster, Thursday afternoon had the makings of an exciting contest. But the team’s offensive struggles and pitching woes led to an 8-4 loss to the Twins at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Despite the disappointing outcome, backup catcher candidate J.C. Escarra provided a spark, making an interesting case for a roster spot.

Yankees’ Gerrit Cole works through spring adjustments

Gerrit Cole started strong, retiring the side in order in the first inning, but trouble followed in the second. After allowing a leadoff single, an errant throw from Anthony Volpe on a potential double play extended the inning. The Yankees ace was then tagged for five runs, capped by a three-run homer from Matt Wallner. The blast would have only left the yard at Steinbrenner Field among all MLB parks, but there were no excuses as Cole’s fastball command wavered.

Following the rough second frame, Cole briefly returned in the third under spring training re-entry rules. However, he surrendered another home run, this time a solo shot to Brooks Lee, before his outing ended at 2.2 innings with six runs (five earned) allowed on five hits. While the results weren’t ideal, the Yankees view spring training as a time for pitchers to refine their command, and this outing serves as an early checkpoint in Cole’s preparation for the season.

Early on, the Yankees threatened but failed to capitalize. Aaron Judge worked a walk in the first, followed by a sharp Cody Bellinger single to put runners on the corners. However, Joe Ryan struck out Paul Goldschmidt and Jazz Chisholm Jr. to escape unscathed. The Bombers were held to just two hits over the next five innings, unable to mount a serious threat until defensive miscues from Minnesota helped them get on the board in the sixth. The biggest offensive contributions came from the younger players in the later innings, with J.C. Escarra making a strong effort on the field.

Escarra provides late spark

With the Yankees trailing, Escarra provided a much-needed spark in the seventh inning. A check-swing blooper into left-center field resulted in a two-run single, putting the Yankees on the scoreboard and breaking up Minnesota’s shutout bid. He wasn’t done yet—Escarra came up again in the ninth and ripped a solo home run just over the right-center field wall, capping a 2-for-3 day with three RBIs. His performance was a reminder that spring training is not just about results but about evaluating talent.

Escarra’s journey has been an unconventional one. After spending time in independent baseball in 2022 and 2023, he impressed in the Yankees’ minor league system last season. Now, the 28-year-old is making a strong push for a backup catcher role behind Austin Wells.

Yankees pitching shows inconsistencies

Luke Weaver, making his first game appearance of the spring, struggled with command. He recorded just one out, allowing a home run to former Yankee Mike Ford while surrendering two hits and a walk. The newly acquired Fernando Cruz gave up a solo homer to Mickey Gasper but otherwise pitched well, recording four outs in relief. Meanwhile, Cody Bellinger, expected to start in center, got reps in right field, playing a ball off the wall perfectly to prevent an extra-base hit. His defensive versatility could be an asset for the Yankees this season.

The Yankees will look to shake off this loss as they return to action Friday night against the Blue Jays. Marcus Stroman will take the mound for his third start of the spring as he prepares for a potentially larger role following Luis Gil’s injury. Though the Yankees lost this one, spring training games are about evaluation and adjustments. Escarra’s performance stood out, and if he continues to hit, his bat could earn him a spot on the Opening Day roster.

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