Yankees Use Day Off to Train at Spring Facility Ahead of ALDS Game 2
The team opted for their familiar spring training grounds in Tampa over Tropicana Field to prepare for Monday's matchup.
The New York Yankees utilized their off day Sunday to train at their spring training facility in Tampa, Florida, rather than the home of their American League Division Series opponent, Tropicana Field. This decision was made to provide players with access to a more comprehensive training environment ahead of Game 2 of the ALDS.
Manager Aaron Boone explained the rationale behind the choice, highlighting the benefits of their facility at George M. Steinbrenner Field. "You've got a full facility, our training stuff, modalities, things like that, plenty of fields to get whatever space you need," Boone stated during a Sunday video call. "We've got Trajekt for guys who want to get on that. And staying in Tampa, it's a quick, easier back and forth."
The Trajekt pitching machine, capable of replicating specific pitches with high accuracy, is a key advantage. This technology is not available to visiting teams at MLB stadiums. The Yankees hope this tool will better prepare them for Rays right-hander Freddy Peralta in Game 2 on Monday, following a less successful outing against Drew Rasmussen in Game 1.
Aaron Judge, sidelined with a right calf strain, was among the players working out at Steinbrenner Field. He participated in running drills and was expected to engage in live batting practice as he continues his recovery and aims for a potential ALCS roster spot if the Yankees advance.
Decisions regarding the pitching order for Max Fried and Carlos Rodón in Games 3 and 4 were still under consideration. Rodón recently threw a 60-pitch live batting practice session, with the team evaluating whether he would throw a between-starts bullpen session or be available out of the bullpen.
Boone also addressed the situation with Giancarlo Stanton, emphasizing that the player was ready despite not having an at-bat in over five months leading up to his pinch-hit appearance in Game 1. "Big G is ready to go," Boone asserted. "There's no courtesy at-bats this time of year."