Spring training 2.0 doesn’t provide the feel of flowing optimism that smothers the real deal in February when everything is new and the buzz of a big-league season is closing in.
However, when it comes to Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Hicks and James Paxton, the Yankees are encouraged the quartet will be able to help them get through a 60-game regular season on top of the AL East.
“We are very optimistic as of right now that maybe his proclamation that he would be ready for Opening Day [July 23] in the lineup will ring true,’’ GM Brian Cashman said Tuesday on a conference call about Judge, who was diagnosed with a top right rib fracture in March and wouldn’t have been ready for the original March 26 Opening Day. “He has been doing all his physical activities. Now it comes down to game reps, facing live pitching and seeing if he is in game shape. I think there is optimism that if everything works out in spring training 2.0 he has a shot to be ready to go. He has checked all the boxes so far and it is optimistic that it is possible that he would be ready to go by Opening Day.’’
Due to a calf injury suffered during fielding drills in February, Stanton would not have been ready to play on March 26 either. Now, he could be in line for regular work at DH.
James Paxton, Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge, Aaron HicksN.Y. Post: Charles Wenzelberg (3)“If you are shooting for the DH role by Opening Day, I think that is a possibility,’’ Cashman said of Stanton who was limited to 18 games last season due to left biceps and right knee injuries. “Again, the game reps and how he would look and properly be prepared in the three-weeks situation in a legitimate outfield [spot] I think that is to be determined. And just like the strong physical demand of running the bases, even though he is a DH, to make sure that the conditioning is 100 percent complete. I think the next three weeks will determine that, but there is optimism at the very least the DH spot could be in play for us.’’
Cashman said Paxton enters spring training 2.0 ready to go after recovering from back surgery in February and believes Hicks could be in center field against the Nationals on July 23.
The GM was upbeat about Hicks, who had Tommy John surgery following last October’s ALCS loss to the Astros.
“I don’t think there is any concern with his reconstruction of his Tommy John surgery. I think it has to do more where he is at physically conditioning-wise,’’ Cashman said. “I am sure he feels he will be game ready by Opening Day. I think that is possible.’’
Cashman said he is optimistic the foursome will be ready for Opening Day, but didn’t want to say for certain before making promises he can’t keep.
“I am giving myself a little wiggle room and defer to how difficult this sport can be and how challenging it can be. Nothing is certain with any of these things but health-wise we are in a good position,’’ Cashman said. “Either they are resolved or are resolving.’’
