Growth spurt
Cessa makes case for roster spot with impressive spring
TAMPA — Nothing about Luis Cessa’s big league career screams he can fill one of the two openings in the Yankees’ rotation. A 5-11 record and a 4.71 ERA in 43 games and 19 as a starter doesn’t instill confidence in the right-hander, who will turn 27 late next month.
However, at the start of camp, Cessa was being touted as the pitcher who would take the start CC Sabathia was going to miss while serving his five-game suspension. Since then, staff ace Luis Severino has landed on the injured list and might be joined by Sabathia.
The fact Cessa has been the Yankees’ best pitcher under the palm trees — where it is dangerous to judge anybody — has only bolstered his chances to open the season in the rotation.
“He looks great. Starting with how he got his body prepared and came in really good shape. There has been a growth, there has been a purpose and an understanding of who he is as a pitcher,’’ manager Aaron Boone said after Cessa threw four shutout innings against the Rays in a 6-2 Yankees win at George M. Steinbrenner Field. “The emergence of his two-seam fastball this spring will be something that serves him well. Really excited about where he is at.’’
In five games (three starts) Cessa has posted a 0.53 ERA, allowed nine hits in 17 innings, struck out 18 and walked one.
“The last couple of years, I put too much pressure on myself,’’ Cessa said.
➤ Two cortisone shots relieved Aaron Hicks of the chronic pain in his lower back, but the Yankees’ starting center fielder won’t re- ally know where he is at until he swings a bat.
After the first shot alleviated pain, another injection was necessary Sunday to calm down discomfort to the left of where the initial needle was inserted.
“I feel great, but I won’t know until I swing,’’ said Hicks, who will open the season on the IL and not be eligible to come off until April 4. “If I swing and it’s pain free, that’s what I will shoot for.’’
Hicks, who signed a seven-year deal worth $70 million at the beginning of camp, first noticed something wrong March 1 when he came out of a game.
“I went to a game in Lakeland and got off the bus tight,’’ said Hicks, who rode an exercise bike Tuesday. “I went to the [batting cage] and didn’t warm up well. The next day I was still tight.’’
According to Hicks, the Yankees have diagnosed the problem as “chronic back pain,’’ and the switch-hitting center fielder has “never had a back problem.’’
➤ Boone said he is looking at Sabathia pitching in a minor league game on Thursday. Sabathia could start the season serving a five-game suspension or on the IL.
➤ Severino is scheduled to play catch on Wednesday to test the inflamed right rotator cuff that will land him on the IL when the season opens next week.
“Hopefully that goes according to plan and we start ramping him back up,’’ Boone said of his ace.