First game for Didi goes well

BALTIMORE — Didi Gregorius played in his first game in Tampa following Tommy John surgery. He played five innings in the field and had five at-bats in an extended spring training game at the Yankees’ minor league complex.

“He got a lot of at-bats, got a couple balls. Told me he threw the ball away. The arm was feeling a little too good, I guess,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “He got through a hot day down there. Now a couple more days down there and then hopefully get transferred over to (Tampa).”

“A big step obviously and a big step in the return for Didi.”

The timeline for his actual return to the big league team will not be clear until the Yankees put him in an official minor league rehab game. The clock starts ticking once that happens, meaning he has 20 days to be activated. The idea of Gregorius being back in late June seems possible.

His return would have significant impact on the roster.

The Yankees signed Troy Tulowitzki to play shortstop while Gregorius rehabbed. Tulowitzki has been on the IL with a strained left calf since April 4, but he was reportedly out at the Yankees complex taking grounders at third base on Monday.

STANTON ON THE CLOCK

Giancarlo Stanton went 1for-3 with a home run and two strikeouts in his first minor league rehab game with High Class-A Tampa Tarpons. He played six innings in right field.

He has been on the injured list since April 1, diagnosed with a left biceps strain and now dealing with a left shoulder strain.

“We’ll kind of evaluate and listen to him each and every day and see where he’s at,” Boone said.

TANAKA TEST

Masahiro Tanaka, who had to leave his last start after taking a comebacker off his right shin, will throw on Tuesday. The veteran said Saturday he was not sure he would be able to make his next start, but Boone said it is looking more promosing.