This year’s Yankees spring training has been a welcome change from past seasons. While injuries are usually a major concern, the team has remained relatively healthy heading into March.
The only significant setback came in December when reliever Scott Effross underwent back surgery, sidelining him until summer. Otherwise, injuries have been minor. Yankees catcher Jose Trevino battled a calf strain early on, and recently, infielder Oswald Peraza has been dealing with some shoulder tightness.
Jose Trevino on the course for Yankees return
Early in spring training, the Yankees projected a two-week absence for catcher Jose Trevino. Their plan remains consistent: Trevino is expected back in early March to gain significant playing time before Opening Day.
Manager Aaron Boone, speaking after the Yankees’ win over the Blue Jays on Friday, indicated Trevino could potentially be included in a home game by mid-next week, possibly facing the Rays on Wednesday or the Tigers on Thursday. This aligns with the initial plan for Trevino to be ready to catch Gerrit Cole on Opening Day, March 28th against the Houston Astros.
New York Yankees catcher Jose Trevino is ramping up his recovery in impressive fashion. On Friday afternoon, he took batting practice for the first time this spring, marking a significant step forward.
Earlier in the day, Trevino displayed further progress by catching Carlos Rodon for three innings of live batting practice. He also completed the second of three demanding running sessions, all without experiencing any lingering calf discomfort.
Trevino’s rehab schedule continues with a lighter running day on Saturday, followed by another challenging session on Sunday. The Yankees manager mentioned that it was Trevino’s running progression that he needed to get through and expressed hope that Trevino would be available sometime after the team returned from the trip.
The Yankees face a two-game Florida swing early next week, playing the Marlins in Jupiter on Monday night and the Mets in Port St. Lucie on Tuesday afternoon. However, catcher Jose Trevino will remain in Tampa during these games.
Trevino will utilize this time to continue his rehab alongside other key Yankees who won’t be traveling, potentially including sluggers Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. This focused training will allow him to catch up on playing time while others hit the road.
Trevino expressed his readiness, stating that he feels positive about his condition. He remarked that he has accumulated a considerable amount of baseball experience, likening himself to a caged warrior who is eager and prepared to compete.
Oswald Peraza’s shoulder problem lingers
Yankees manager Aaron Boone downplayed the severity of Oswald Peraza‘s shoulder tightness during Tuesday’s pre-game media session, although the injury was acknowledged.
Despite the setback, the Yankees remain optimistic about Peraza’s quick return. If he shows continued improvement over the next few days, he could potentially be back in action for Tuesday’s game against the Mets.
Boone mentioned that it didn’t seem to be a severe issue, but Peraza might not be fully prepared to make throws across the diamond due to lingering discomfort. The Yankees manager acknowledged that Peraza still feels some discomfort in his shoulder and will continue working on it as they monitor his progress going forward.
Despite going 0-for-3 with three strikeouts in his only appearance so far, the Yankees infielder remains in contention for a backup role this spring. However, his chances might be affected by his limited options remaining.
Peraza faces stiff competition from four non-roster infielders with prior major league experience: Kevin Smith, Josh VanMeter, Jahmai Jones, and Jeter Downs. Their veteran presence could be a factor in the Yankees’ decision-making process.
Anthony Rizzo bounces back with homer spree
Veteran first baseman Anthony Rizzo knows the drill. With 15 springs under his belt, the Yankees star understands spring training stats hold minimal weight for established major leaguers. His two home runs in Friday’s win over the Blue Jays won’t impact his chase for 300 career homers (he sits just five away) and his starting role is solidified.
However, Rizzo’s 2023 performance casts a different light on his spring training showing this year. At 34, a strong spring showing holds more significance for the veteran Yankees slugger.
Rizzo’s 2023 season took a sharp turn for the worse in May after a collision with the Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr. on the basepaths left him concussed. The injury significantly impacted his performance. Battling lingering effects, The Yankees first baseman slumped to a .172 average with a .496 OPS, hitting just one homer in his final 46 games. The post-concussion syndrome diagnosis eventually ended his season prematurely.
This spring training, however, presents a different story. Rizzo has emphatically declared that the symptoms plaguing him last year have vanished. He feels rejuvenated, playing with a youthful exuberance he hasn’t displayed in years, and demonstrating consistency in all facets of his game. This strong showing carries significant weight for the veteran slugger, aiming to bounce back from a challenging 2023 campaign.
Rizzo declared that he didn’t claim to be a superhero but felt like having regained some special abilities. The Yankees star mentioned that being able to see the ball properly again, he was confident of making an impact.
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