Noteworthy items during the Yankees’ spring training practice on Friday in Tampa:
G is for gem
The new-look Giancarlo Stanton flashed some athleticism via his defense, making a sliding catch on a shallow fly ball during outfield drills.
Giancarlo Stanton makes a sliding catch during Yankees’ practice on Friday. Charles Wenzelberg / New York PostThe rest of the Yankees’ outfielders gave him a big cheer for the snag.
Inflicting pain
Yankees pitchers shouldn’t take it personally when Juan Soto does damage against them this spring. Going the other way both times, Soto homered off prospect Luis Serna and lined another hit off Nick Burdi.
Juan Soto watches his homer during batting practice on Friday. Charles Wenzelberg / New York PostCaught my eye
Serna was one of a handful of lower-level pitching prospects — along with Brock Selvidge, Kyle Carr, Trystan Vrieling and Brian Hendry — who came over to big league camp for the day to throw live batting practice.
None of them are particularly close to helping the Yankees, but “to a man, gave you something to be excited about,” Aaron Boone said. “Getting over here, it’s part of the development process.”
Saturday’s schedule
The Yankees open their Grapefruit League schedule with a game against the Tigers in Lakeland.
Luis Gil will start the game, with Anthony Volpe, Trent Grisham, Oswaldo Cabrera, Ben Rortvedt and prospect Spencer Jones among those set to make the trip.
