Judge gets back in the swing; Torre visits his old team
TAMPA — Aaron Judge’s name didn’t appear on the Yankees’ batting practice or workout schedule on Friday, but the slugger had plans. Judge, who hadn’t swung since Sunday due to a nagging ab issue, said he would go through his “normal routine” in the weight room and the batting cage. That includes tee work and soft tossing.
“The main goal is to be ready for Opening Day, so we’re just gonna work toward that,” said Judge, who didn’t commit to playing on Saturday.
Aaron Boone, who previously had Judge “penciled in” to Saturday’s lineup, said that the captain probably won’t play against Toronto. However, the manager reiterated that Judge is fine.
“It’s not something we’re concerned with,” Boone said.
Asked if his abs are still bothering him, Judge said he’s “feeling pretty good.”
“The MRI came back clean,” Judge continued. “I think a lot of it was precautionary, and there’s no need to risk stuff in spring training.”
Boone said that the Yankees will monitor what Judge does on Saturday and map out the next few days from there. Boone added that there’s still “plenty of runway” for Judge to get ready for the regular season.
TORRE RETURNS
A familiar face made an appearance at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Friday, as Joe Torre could be seen in the dugout and on the field during batting practice. The former Yankees manager is in camp after Boone invited him to be a guest instructor a few weeks ago.
“Right away, he said, ‘Yep, I’ll be there. I’ll plan on being there,’” Boone said. “And then it’s an added treat to see him already in uniform. Could not be more excited to see No. 6 out there.
“We’re fortunate to have a number of bigtime ex-Yankees in with us this spring, and Joe certainly headlines that list of guys we’ve had in here.”
A four-time World Series champ, Torre managed the Yankees from 1996-2007. Boone played for the former skipper in 2003.
As a manager, Boone has also been fined by Torre for outbursts directed at umpires, as Torre has held various roles in the commissioner’s office since his managerial career ended in 2010.
“He tried telling me to pipe it down a little bit,” Boone said. “He was being a little heavy-handed with his fines sometimes. l appealed one or two, and he said they’re not up for appeal.”
SPRING BREAK FOR BOONE
Boone wasn’t sure for a few days who would manage Saturday’s Spring Breakout game, but he knew it wouldn’t be him.
On Friday, he finally had an answer: Mario Garza, director of baseball development, will serve as skipper for the prospect showcase.
Will Warren also said that he will not pitch in the game despite being on the Spring Breakout roster. He’s scheduled to throw on Sunday.