Game 1 between the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles will now be played on Friday instead of the original schedule of Thursday. The reason cited for the postponement was inclement weather.
According to a statement by the Orioles, the game would start at 3:05 p.m. on Friday, which was supposed to be a day off before the teams played again on Saturday and Sunday.
On Wednesday, the Orioles played in Texas losing 5-2 to the Rangers while the Yankees routed Philadelphia 4-2 at home against Philadelphia. Baltimore’s batters will face the Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt in their home opener while they will field Dean Kremer on the mound.
Yankees concern over King losing speed
Michael King has had two bad starts to the season, and the speed of his four-seam fastball has slowed down since he had elbow surgery in the second half of last year.
When asked about the right-health handers before Wednesday’s game, Aaron Boone paused and said, “He feels great. Is there cause for worry? Maybe, but I’m pretty sure he’s fine. I do think it has to do with mechanics and timing.”
Boone said it was “something to keep an eye on,” but he also pointed out that King was throwing his two-seamer at its normal speed, which could mean that the four-seamer was not working right.
Boone said that any mechanical problems that might have caused King to give up eight hits, a walk, and four strikeouts in three innings could be “very subtle.”
There is also a chance that King will have a dead arm since he started getting ready for the season earlier than most pitchers who were hurt last year.
Hicks loses the Yankees berth again
Aaron Hicks wasn’t in Wednesday’s Yankees lineup, which was to be expected, but the crowd at Yankee Stadium has been mean to the outfielder on more than one occasion this season.
“We talked a little bit about it [Tuesday] night,’’ Boone said of his chat with Hicks after the outfielder drew the wrath of the fans again following another hitless game. “I do think he’s past that part of it. I kind of believe that. He knows that’s coming.”
Hicks has had two bad seasons in a row. This year, he is 0-for-7 with a walk and three strikeouts.
“I think now, you’re at the start of the season and guys get their firsts [hits and RBIs] and get into the rhythm of the season,’’ Boone said. “I do feel he’s had mostly competitive at-bats up there.”
The Yankees play their next six games on the road, starting on Thursday. This could be good for Hicks, but Boone seemed sure it wouldn’t be a problem.
“I think he’s through that phase where it could be a little overwhelming and uncomfortable,’’ Boone said. “He just wants to move forward… The biggest thing is to control the moment and [go] pitch-by-pitch. I feel like he did a good job of that the last two weeks of spring training.”
IKF is happy with his outfield role
Isiah Kiner-Falefa said that since he is now playing in the outfield, he will have to get used to the size of all the stadiums the Yankees play in when they are on the road. This will start on Thursday in Baltimore at Camden Yards.
“[Batting practice] isn’t going to be about me hitting and taking grounders much anymore,’’ Kiner-Falefa said. “I’ll mostly be shagging fly balls.”
The injury list
Carlos Rodon was supposed to face batters for the first time since he hurt his left forearm on Wednesday. Luis Severino, who has been out with a right lat strain, played catch again on Wednesday and will go to Baltimore with the team. Boone said that the right-handed pitcher might throw his first bullpen session since the injury this weekend.
Tommy Kahnle had right biceps tendinitis, but he played catch for the first time on Wednesday with no problems.
Yankees are glad LeMahieu is back
Boone said that DJ LeMahieu‘s performance at the plate this season is “night and day” different from the end of last year.
“He was just a shell of himself at the end of last season,” Boone said of LeMahieu, who missed the playoffs because of a fractured right foot.
They want him to stay healthy, so Boone has told LeMahieu to take care of his foot in the training room before it becomes problematic.
“One of the things we’ve talked about is to make sure he’s getting the soft tissue work done, even when he’s feeling good,’’ Boone said.
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