The Yankees beat the Rays in Port Charlotte this afternoon, meaning they’ve got a nice little three game winning streak going on. Ivan Nova walked none in four scoreless innings, striking out two and allowing just four singles. He’s surrendered just one run in nine innings so far and is right there with David Phelps in the fifth starter’s race. Nova got pounded in camp last year and it was harbinger of things to come, so at least he’s starting on the right foot now.
Thomas Neal went 2-for-3 with a stolen base and is quietly having a nice spring, but he’s an afterthought in the outfield competition it seems. Frankie Cervelli singled and threw out both attempted base-stealers, meaning he’s now gunned down seven of nine runners. That is in-frickin-sanely good. Jayson Nix and Travis Hafner combined to go 0-for-7 with five strikeouts, which is … yuck. Brett Marshall pitched in relief of Nova and allowed one unearned run in 3.2 innings. Here’s the box score and here’s the rest from Tampa…
- As expected, Michael Pineda threw sliders as part of today’s 35-pitch bullpen and everything went well. Cesar Cabral also threw sliders for the first time since fracturing his elbow and everything is going fine with him as well. [Chad Jennings]
- Mark Teixeira will rejoin the Yankees this weekend and continue rehabbing his wrist injury with the team in Tampa. He’s likely to stay behind once the season begins rather than return to New York. [Dan Barbarisi]
- The Phillies will be in town for a night game on Wednesday, which is when Andy Pettitte will make his Grapefruit League debut. Derek Jeter is tentatively scheduled to play shortstop in that game as well. You’ll be able to watch that one on YES.
Here is your open thread for the evening. The Rangers and Nets are both playing, plus you’ve got USA vs. Puerto Rico in World Baseball Classic action (8pm ET on MLB Network). Talk about any of those games or whatever else is on your mind here. Enjoy.
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