Mateo’s spring progress full speed ahead

Girardi has liked what he’s seen from Mateo, the tantalizing prospect with the tumultuous past. Last season, Mateo was given an in-season suspension, and saw his stock plummet as a result. Now, he’s looking to get back on the right track.

“(Jorge) has a lot of talent and he’s played extremely well in spring training,” Girardi said. “He’s hitting the ball well. His outs are hard and he’s played good defense.”

Asked about his focus this spring, Mateo replied through a translator that he wants to stay healthy and work on a routine that enables him to stay consistent.

Girardi said he is keeping a close eye on Mateo to monitor his progress and see how he’s doing.

GET READY FOR KAP

Joe Girardi said James Kaprielian will make his spring debut on either Thursday or Friday. The thought had previously been that Kaprielian would only pitch in simulated games, but that has since changed.

Kaprielian is expected to open his 2017 season at High-A Tampa.

JUSTUS SERVED

The Yankees assigned 11 players to minor-league camp, highlighted by lefty Justus Sheffield, who is expected to pitch at Double-A Trenton once the 2017 campaign begins.

“We really like what we see,” Girardi said of the 20-year-old starter, who allowed a run and struck out four in 3.2 innings over his two spring appearances. “He’s got really good movement on his fastball. His changeup is good. His slider at times is really, really good, but it’s something he needs to become more consistent with. He’s a tremendous worker. His focus is really good.”

The others cut: Joe Mantiply, James Reeves, Nick Rumbelow, Daniel Camarena, Kellin Deglan, Francisco Diaz, J.P. Feyereisen, Brady Lail, Evan Rutckyj and Jorge Saez.

ERROR PRONE

Prospect Miguel Andujar has made five errors this spring at third base – including one on Sunday.

“He’s had some tough days. But he’s young and he’ll get through it,” Girardi said.