Claiborne's struggles could factor for Girardi

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Preston Claiborne, who made 44 appearances in the big leagues for the Yankees last season, has had a rough spring and could begin the year with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

The right-hander allowed six earned runs on four hits with a walk and did not record an out in Wednesday's appearance against the Blue Jays, part of Toronto's eight-run fifth inning. Claiborne also hit a batter with a pitch.

"The stuff has not been the same, for whatever reason," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "When we got him up last year he had been on a roll and he was throwing the ball very well. He has not been able to do that this spring, and it's something that we've looked at."

Claiborne, 26, was 0-2 with a 4.11 ERA with New York last season. His spring ERA rose from 4.76 to 14.29 with Wednesday's appearance, and Girardi has said that he was already facing difficult decisions to narrow down his bullpen choices.

David Robertson, Shawn Kelley and Matt Thornton were considered early locks, and Girardi has indicated that David Phelps, Adam Warren and Vidal Nuno will all be looked at to fill relief spots. Dellin Betances also pitched a scoreless inning on Wednesday, lowering his spring ERA to 0.79.

"I think we look at taking our best team when we leave," Girardi said. "In saying that, we have some tough decisions to make over the next three days, and it's really less than that because we leave in three days."

Jeter just beginning to shed rust from lost season

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- The hits may not have been falling very often for Derek Jeter this spring, but with Opening Day right around the corner, the Yankees' captain believes he is clicking into form at just the right time.

Jeter went 1-for-2 with a walk and two runs in the Yankees' 10-6 loss to the Blue Jays on Wednesday, raising his spring average to .143 (7-for-49). He has said that it was taking longer than expected to knock rust off after being limited to 17 games last season.

"That's the goal, to get ready for Opening Day," Jeter said. "Sometimes you have to use more of the spring than others to get ready, but I feel good where I am right now. We have a couple more games left and then we'll start the year, so I'm happy with where I am."

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that he sees Jeter's timing improving every day. Jeter played back-to-back games at shortstop for the first time this spring on Tuesday and Wednesday; he is scheduled to have Thursday off, then will play on Saturday and Sunday.

"The big thing for me is he's healthy," Girardi said. "He's responding day after day, coming back, playing four out of five days. I think he's starting to swing the bat a little bit better. He's starting to get the ball in the air, line drives.

"I don't worry too much about Spring Training for veteran guys, especially a guy who really hasn't played in a year and a half. I don't worry about it. We've talked about his timing. He feels it's better and better. I think it will continue to improve and he'll be fine."

Jeter said that he has been on a normal spring schedule since camp started in February, but it has taken slightly longer to get in the rhythm of playing games. Jeter said that he finally started to feel comfortable a few days ago.

"For me, every spring it's pretty much the same thing," Jeter said. "This year may have taken a little bit longer, but first you want to make sure you're seeing the ball. Then it's you want to make sure you're swinging at good pitches, then it's contact.

"Driving balls in the air is usually the last thing that comes. It's usually been like that every spring. This year, maybe it's taken a little bit longer than other ones, but I think that's understandable considering I haven't played in quite some time."

Girardi said that he does not have any issues with Jeter's defensive play to date.

"He's consistent out there," Girardi said. "It's really nice to see him move without having to force it, like what we had to watch all last year. It was hard for everybody to watch, because it's not something that we were accustomed to.

"But he's went to his right, he's went to his left, he's come in. I don't remember a ball really going back, but he's looked pretty good."

Ellsbury plays field in Minor League contest

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Yankees outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury played in his second Minor League game in as many days on Wednesday, playing five innings in center field and reporting no issues.

Ellsbury played in a Class A game against a Pirates' squad at the Himes Complex in Tampa, Fla., going 1-for-4 with a walk. Ellsbury has not played in a Grapefruit League game since March 14 due to a sore right calf.

"I think it went very well," Ellsbury said. "Pleased with the results, pleased with how everything felt, couldn't ask for more. I did a little bit of everything."

Manager Joe Girardi said that it was "comforting" that Ellsbury was able to play the outfield. Ellsbury had only batted on Tuesday because of soggy conditions at the complex.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told reporters that Ellsbury will play in another Minor League game on Thursday, and he could play for the big league squad on Friday against the Marlins at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

"I think he will be ready [for Opening Day], as long as he's feeling good and he's healthy," Cashman said.

Also in that Minor League game, Yankees closer David Robertson allowed a run on two hits in two-thirds of an inning, striking out two.

Primed to be backup, Cervelli a 'plus' for Yanks

TAMPA, Fla. -- Francisco Cervelli just has to make it to the plane. By optioning Austin Romine to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday, the Yankees have essentially confirmed that Cervelli will be their backup catcher this season.

Cervelli has enjoyed a terrific spring, entering play on Wednesday batting .455 (15-for-33) with a team-leading four homers, but he has been fooled before. In 2012, Cervelli seemed to be a roster lock before the Yankees made a last-minute trade to acquire Chris Stewart from the Giants.

"If I get my locker in Houston, I'll be happy," Cervelli said.

Cervelli's name has popped up in recent trade rumors -- the Rangers could be one suitor, having lost Geovany Soto for at least 10 weeks to a torn meniscus -- but Girardi said Cervelli adds experience and depth behind the plate for the Yankees.

"I think Cervy can be an everyday catcher, I do," Girardi said. "When it comes to catching, we have a ton in our organization. I mean, there's kids that we sent down that I believe are Major League catchers right now. And it's a real plus for us."

Girardi said that he does not envision making Cervelli anyone's personal catcher; rather, the skipper said, the Yankees will play Brian McCann as often as possible, using Cervelli to spell McCann twice out of every eight or nine days.

"He's been around here," Girardi said. "He's pretty familiar with most of the guys. I'll just put him in when I feel the day is right."

Cervelli said that he has been pleased with his spring. He has been catching all of the Yanks' starters, even toying with learning Japanese so he can communicate with Hiroki Kuroda and Masahiro Tanaka, and he said that last year's troubled season helped him mature.

"Everything that happened last year -- injury, suspension -- I had a lot of time to think, sit down and think about what I have to change, what I have to improve, and how I can manage my life," Cervelli said.

Cervelli was being thought of as the Yankees' regular catcher last season, but wound up playing in just 17 games. He fractured his right hand on a foul tip in April, had a setback in his rehab and then was hit with a 50-game suspension stemming from Major League Baseball's investigation into the Biogenesis clinic.

"I think [I wanted to] prove to the fans that ... I'm healthy and last year was an embarrassing moment for me," Cervelli said. "It's a moment I'm going to carry forever. I come here to play baseball, give everything to the Yankees, and also for myself because I never stop the way I work. I always want to be better."

Bomber bits

• Alfonso Soriano received treatment after Tuesday's game for a sore right shoulder. Soriano was back in the Yankees' lineup for Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays in Dunedin, Fla., serving as the designated hitter.

"It's something that he's had," Girardi said. "Players have to work through things. He'll get [Thursday] off and then we'll see how he is."

• Girardi said that his choices for backup infielders and relief pitchers will probably go down to the end of camp, and that the organization is still discussing their options.

"We're going to have to make a decision pretty quick here, because they're going to have to pack," Girardi said.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Primed to be backup, Cervelli a 'plus' for Yanks

TAMPA, Fla. -- Francisco Cervelli just has to make it to the plane. By optioning Austin Romine to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday, the Yankees have essentially confirmed that Cervelli will be their backup catcher this season.

Cervelli has enjoyed a terrific spring, entering play on Wednesday batting .455 (15-for-33) with a team-leading four homers, but he has been fooled before. In 2012, Cervelli seemed to be a roster lock before the Yankees made a last-minute trade to acquire Chris Stewart from the Giants.

"If I get my locker in Houston, I'll be happy," Cervelli said.

Cervelli's name has popped up in recent trade rumors -- the Rangers could be one suitor, having lost Geovany Soto for at least 10 weeks to a torn meniscus -- but Girardi said Cervelli adds experience and depth behind the plate for the Yankees.

"I think Cervy can be an everyday catcher, I do," Girardi said. "When it comes to catching, we have a ton in our organization. I mean, there's kids that we sent down that I believe are Major League catchers right now. And it's a real plus for us."

Girardi said that he does not envision making Cervelli anyone's personal catcher; rather, the skipper said, the Yankees will play Brian McCann as often as possible, using Cervelli to spell McCann twice out of every eight or nine days.

"He's been around here," Girardi said. "He's pretty familiar with most of the guys. I'll just put him in when I feel the day is right."

Cervelli said that he has been pleased with his spring. He has been catching all of the Yanks' starters, even toying with learning Japanese so he can communicate with Hiroki Kuroda and Masahiro Tanaka, and he said that last year's troubled season helped him mature.

"Everything that happened last year -- injury, suspension -- I had a lot of time to think, sit down and think about what I have to change, what I have to improve, and how I can manage my life," Cervelli said.

Cervelli was being thought of as the Yankees' regular catcher last season, but wound up playing in just 17 games. He fractured his right hand on a foul tip in April, had a setback in his rehab and then was hit with a 50-game suspension stemming from Major League Baseball's investigation into the Biogenesis clinic.

"I think [I wanted to] prove to the fans that ... I'm healthy and last year was an embarrassing moment for me," Cervelli said. "It's a moment I'm going to carry forever. I come here to play baseball, give everything to the Yankees, and also for myself because I never stop the way I work. I always want to be better."

Jeter just beginning to shed rust from lost season

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- The hits may not have been falling very often for Derek Jeter this spring, but with Opening Day right around the corner, the Yankees' captain believes he is clicking into form at just the right time.

Jeter went 1-for-2 with a walk and two runs in the Yankees' 10-6 loss to the Blue Jays on Wednesday, raising his spring average to .143 (7-for-49). He has said that it was taking longer than expected to knock rust off after being limited to 17 games last season.

"That's the goal, to get ready for Opening Day," Jeter said. "Sometimes you have to use more of the spring than others to get ready, but I feel good where I am right now. We have a couple more games left and then we'll start the year, so I'm happy with where I am."

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that he sees Jeter's timing improving every day. Jeter played back-to-back games at shortstop for the first time this spring on Tuesday and Wednesday; he is scheduled to have Thursday off, then will play on Saturday and Sunday.

"The big thing for me is he's healthy," Girardi said. "He's responding day after day, coming back, playing four out of five days. I think he's starting to swing the bat a little bit better. He's starting to get the ball in the air, line drives.

"I don't worry too much about Spring Training for veteran guys, especially a guy who really hasn't played in a year and a half. I don't worry about it. We've talked about his timing. He feels it's better and better. I think it will continue to improve and he'll be fine."

Jeter said that he has been on a normal spring schedule since camp started in February, but it has taken slightly longer to get in the rhythm of playing games. Jeter said that he finally started to feel comfortable a few days ago.

"For me, every spring it's pretty much the same thing," Jeter said. "This year may have taken a little bit longer, but first you want to make sure you're seeing the ball. Then it's you want to make sure you're swinging at good pitches, then it's contact.

"Driving balls in the air is usually the last thing that comes. It's usually been like that every spring. This year, maybe it's taken a little bit longer than other ones, but I think that's understandable considering I haven't played in quite some time."

Girardi said that he does not have any issues with Jeter's defensive play to date.

"He's consistent out there," Girardi said. "It's really nice to see him move without having to force it, like what we had to watch all last year. It was hard for everybody to watch, because it's not something that we were accustomed to.

"But he's went to his right, he's went to his left, he's come in. I don't remember a ball really going back, but he's looked pretty good."

Ellsbury plays field in Minor League contest

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Yankees outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury played in his second Minor League game in as many days on Wednesday, playing five innings in center field and reporting no issues.

Ellsbury played in a Class A game against a Pirates' squad at the Himes Complex in Tampa, Fla., going 1-for-4 with a walk. Ellsbury has not played in a Grapefruit League game since March 14 due to a sore right calf.

"I think it went very well," Ellsbury said. "Pleased with the results, pleased with how everything felt, couldn't ask for more. I did a little bit of everything."

Manager Joe Girardi said that it was "comforting" that Ellsbury was able to play the outfield. Ellsbury had only batted on Tuesday because of soggy conditions at the complex.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told reporters that Ellsbury will play in another Minor League game on Thursday, and he could play for the big league squad on Friday against the Marlins at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

"I think he will be ready [for Opening Day], as long as he's feeling good and he's healthy," Cashman said.

Also in that Minor League game, Yankees closer David Robertson allowed a run on two hits in two-thirds of an inning, striking out two.

Claiborne's struggles could factor for Girardi

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Preston Claiborne, who made 44 appearances in the big leagues for the Yankees last season, has had a rough spring and could begin the year with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

The right-hander allowed six earned runs on four hits with a walk and did not record an out in Wednesday's appearance against the Blue Jays, part of Toronto's eight-run fifth inning. Claiborne also hit a batter with a pitch.

"The stuff has not been the same, for whatever reason," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "When we got him up last year he had been on a roll and he was throwing the ball very well. He has not been able to do that this spring, and it's something that we've looked at."

Claiborne, 26, was 0-2 with a 4.11 ERA with New York last season. His spring ERA rose from 4.76 to 14.29 with Wednesday's appearance, and Girardi has said that he was already facing difficult decisions to narrow down his bullpen choices.

David Robertson, Shawn Kelley and Matt Thornton were considered early locks, and Girardi has indicated that David Phelps, Adam Warren and Vidal Nuno will all be looked at to fill relief spots. Dellin Betances also pitched a scoreless inning on Wednesday, lowering his spring ERA to 0.79.

"I think we look at taking our best team when we leave," Girardi said. "In saying that, we have some tough decisions to make over the next three days, and it's really less than that because we leave in three days."

Bomber bits

• Alfonso Soriano received treatment after Tuesday's game for a sore right shoulder. Soriano was back in the Yankees' lineup for Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays in Dunedin, Fla., serving as the designated hitter.

"It's something that he's had," Girardi said. "Players have to work through things. He'll get [Thursday] off and then we'll see how he is."

• Girardi said that his choices for backup infielders and relief pitchers will probably go down to the end of camp, and that the organization is still discussing their options.

"We're going to have to make a decision pretty quick here, because they're going to have to pack," Girardi said.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ellsbury plays field in Minor League contest

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Yankees outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury played in his second Minor League game in as many days on Wednesday, playing five innings in center field and reporting no issues.

Ellsbury played in a Class A game against a Pirates' squad at the Himes Complex in Tampa, Fla., going 1-for-4 with a walk. Ellsbury has not played in a Grapefruit League game since March 14 due to a sore right calf.

"I think it went very well," Ellsbury said. "Pleased with the results, pleased with how everything felt, couldn't ask for more. I did a little bit of everything."

Manager Joe Girardi said that it was "comforting" that Ellsbury was able to play the outfield. Ellsbury had only batted on Tuesday because of soggy conditions at the complex.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told reporters that Ellsbury will play in another Minor League game on Thursday, and he could play for the big league squad on Friday against the Marlins at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

"I think he will be ready [for Opening Day], as long as he's feeling good and he's healthy," Cashman said.

Also in that Minor League game, Yankees closer David Robertson allowed a run on two hits in two-thirds of an inning, striking out two.

Jeter just beginning to shed rust from lost season

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- The hits may not have been falling very often for Derek Jeter this spring, but with Opening Day right around the corner, the Yankees' captain believes he is clicking into form at just the right time.

Jeter went 1-for-2 with a walk and two runs in the Yankees' 10-6 loss to the Blue Jays on Wednesday, raising his spring average to .143 (7-for-49). He has said that it was taking longer than expected to knock rust off after being limited to 17 games last season.

"That's the goal, to get ready for Opening Day," Jeter said. "Sometimes you have to use more of the spring than others to get ready, but I feel good where I am right now. We have a couple more games left and then we'll start the year, so I'm happy with where I am."

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that he sees Jeter's timing improving every day. Jeter played back-to-back games at shortstop for the first time this spring on Tuesday and Wednesday; he is scheduled to have Thursday off, then will play on Saturday and Sunday.

"The big thing for me is he's healthy," Girardi said. "He's responding day after day, coming back, playing four out of five days. I think he's starting to swing the bat a little bit better. He's starting to get the ball in the air, line drives.

"I don't worry too much about Spring Training for veteran guys, especially a guy who really hasn't played in a year and a half. I don't worry about it. We've talked about his timing. He feels it's better and better. I think it will continue to improve and he'll be fine."

Jeter said that he has been on a normal spring schedule since camp started in February, but it has taken slightly longer to get in the rhythm of playing games. Jeter said that he finally started to feel comfortable a few days ago.

"For me, every spring it's pretty much the same thing," Jeter said. "This year may have taken a little bit longer, but first you want to make sure you're seeing the ball. Then it's you want to make sure you're swinging at good pitches, then it's contact.

"Driving balls in the air is usually the last thing that comes. It's usually been like that every spring. This year, maybe it's taken a little bit longer than other ones, but I think that's understandable considering I haven't played in quite some time."

Girardi said that he does not have any issues with Jeter's defensive play to date.

"He's consistent out there," Girardi said. "It's really nice to see him move without having to force it, like what we had to watch all last year. It was hard for everybody to watch, because it's not something that we were accustomed to.

"But he's went to his right, he's went to his left, he's come in. I don't remember a ball really going back, but he's looked pretty good."

Claiborne's struggles could factor for Girardi

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Preston Claiborne, who made 44 appearances in the big leagues for the Yankees last season, has had a rough spring and could begin the year with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

The right-hander allowed six earned runs on four hits with a walk and did not record an out in Wednesday's appearance against the Blue Jays, part of Toronto's eight-run fifth inning. Claiborne also hit a batter with a pitch.

"The stuff has not been the same, for whatever reason," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "When we got him up last year he had been on a roll and he was throwing the ball very well. He has not been able to do that this spring, and it's something that we've looked at."

Claiborne, 26, was 0-2 with a 4.11 ERA with New York last season. His spring ERA rose from 4.76 to 14.29 with Wednesday's appearance, and Girardi has said that he was already facing difficult decisions to narrow down his bullpen choices.

David Robertson, Shawn Kelley and Matt Thornton were considered early locks, and Girardi has indicated that David Phelps, Adam Warren and Vidal Nuno will all be looked at to fill relief spots. Dellin Betances also pitched a scoreless inning on Wednesday, lowering his spring ERA to 0.79.

"I think we look at taking our best team when we leave," Girardi said. "In saying that, we have some tough decisions to make over the next three days, and it's really less than that because we leave in three days."

Primed to be backup, Cervelli a 'plus' for Yanks

TAMPA, Fla. -- Francisco Cervelli just has to make it to the plane. By optioning Austin Romine to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday, the Yankees have essentially confirmed that Cervelli will be their backup catcher this season.

Cervelli has enjoyed a terrific spring, entering play on Wednesday batting .455 (15-for-33) with a team-leading four homers, but he has been fooled before. In 2012, Cervelli seemed to be a roster lock before the Yankees made a last-minute trade to acquire Chris Stewart from the Giants.

"If I get my locker in Houston, I'll be happy," Cervelli said.

Cervelli's name has popped up in recent trade rumors -- the Rangers could be one suitor, having lost Geovany Soto for at least 10 weeks to a torn meniscus -- but Girardi said Cervelli adds experience and depth behind the plate for the Yankees.

"I think Cervy can be an everyday catcher, I do," Girardi said. "When it comes to catching, we have a ton in our organization. I mean, there's kids that we sent down that I believe are Major League catchers right now. And it's a real plus for us."

Girardi said that he does not envision making Cervelli anyone's personal catcher; rather, the skipper said, the Yankees will play Brian McCann as often as possible, using Cervelli to spell McCann twice out of every eight or nine days.

"He's been around here," Girardi said. "He's pretty familiar with most of the guys. I'll just put him in when I feel the day is right."

Cervelli said that he has been pleased with his spring. He has been catching all of the Yanks' starters, even toying with learning Japanese so he can communicate with Hiroki Kuroda and Masahiro Tanaka, and he said that last year's troubled season helped him mature.

"Everything that happened last year -- injury, suspension -- I had a lot of time to think, sit down and think about what I have to change, what I have to improve, and how I can manage my life," Cervelli said.

Cervelli was being thought of as the Yankees' regular catcher last season, but wound up playing in just 17 games. He fractured his right hand on a foul tip in April, had a setback in his rehab and then was hit with a 50-game suspension stemming from Major League Baseball's investigation into the Biogenesis clinic.

"I think [I wanted to] prove to the fans that ... I'm healthy and last year was an embarrassing moment for me," Cervelli said. "It's a moment I'm going to carry forever. I come here to play baseball, give everything to the Yankees, and also for myself because I never stop the way I work. I always want to be better."

Bomber bits

• Alfonso Soriano received treatment after Tuesday's game for a sore right shoulder. Soriano was back in the Yankees' lineup for Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays in Dunedin, Fla., serving as the designated hitter.

"It's something that he's had," Girardi said. "Players have to work through things. He'll get [Thursday] off and then we'll see how he is."

• Girardi said that his choices for backup infielders and relief pitchers will probably go down to the end of camp, and that the organization is still discussing their options.

"We're going to have to make a decision pretty quick here, because they're going to have to pack," Girardi said.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Phelps, Warren, Nuno take news in stride

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 3/25/2014 9:33 P.M. ET

TAMPA, Fla. -- As pleased as the Yankees were to see Michael Pineda earn the fifth-starter's job this spring, that decision forced some uncomfortable conversations with runners-up David Phelps, Adam Warren and Vidal Nuno.

"I know they want to start," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "I'm not going to sugarcoat that ... that's what they've done their whole career. I think they took it pretty well and I think they just want to help us win."

Phelps said that it was "disappointing" to be told that he will be beginning the season in the bullpen, but the Yankees right-hander said that he believes he can fill whatever role is asked of him.

"I'd hope so," Phelps said. "When I was in the bullpen in '12, I kind of did everything except for close. It's not different than going out for a start; you just have to get guys out.

"The situation gets a little bit more magnified in the bullpen because you're pitching later in games, but still, [it's] going out, throwing strikes and getting guys out."

Warren started on Tuesday against the Phillies and pitched a scoreless inning, transitioning into his relief role. Phelps allowed an unearned run in the second inning, while Nuno served up two solo homers in the third.

Phelps and Warren seem to be assured of breaking camp with the team, while Nuno could pitch in relief or start at Triple-A. Not surprisingly, Nuno's preference would be to stay on the big league roster.

"It's always nice to be up here. I'm always just trying to help the team win, in any aspect," Nuno said. "Right now, my role is in the bullpen, so I've got to stick with it and do my best every day."

As a measure of silver lining, Girardi said that it is important to remember that the Yankees will almost certainly need more than five starters this season.

"When you name a starter, that doesn't mean that these guys won't start at some point this year," Girardi said. "And I told them that, too."

Ellsbury tests sore right calf in Minors game

TAMPA, Fla. -- Jacoby Ellsbury logged six plate appearances in a Minor League game on Tuesday, testing his sore right calf, and the Yankees outfielder is confident that he will be able to avoid a trip to the disabled list.

"Today was the first step in the sense of just playing in a game," Ellsbury said. "I've been running and sprinting, doing all that stuff. I've hit every day for the most part since I've been playing. It feels pretty good."

Ellsbury has not played in a Grapefruit League game since March 14 due to the sore calf. Facing pitchers from the Double-A Trenton squad, Ellsbury grounded out, lined out, walked twice, struck out looking and singled to center field.

Ellsbury was replaced by pinch-runners once he reached first base, but he said that he felt normal with his first steps out of the box. Ellsbury said that he would probably test running first to third on Wednesday, and did not play defense because of a soggy outfield.

"Today was just to get some swings in, not run the bases," Ellsbury said.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that Ellsbury will probably play in another Minor League game on Wednesday, and for backdating purposes, Ellsbury will not play in a Grapefruit League game until the club is absolutely certain he will not need to go on the DL.

"I feel pretty good about it, but I can't say I'm absolutely sure until we run him out in the outfield and see how he does," Girardi said.

Ellsbury said that he feels ready to play in a full game if the Yankees wanted him to, and has no doubt about being in the Opening Day lineup on April 1 against the Astros in Houston.

"The best thing about it is we have time right now," Ellsbury said. "I play center field, you need to cover a lot of ground, steal bases, do a lot of different things as far as using my legs. We just want to make sure it's 100 percent, but as far as me not being ready, in that regard, I'll be good to go."

Tanaka not yet thinking about first MLB start

TAMPA, Fla. -- Masahiro Tanaka is still more than a week away from throwing his first pitch in a Major League game, which explains why the Yankees right-hander's expression remains placid on the topic.

"Maybe it's that I'm not thinking too much, but right now I'm not overly excited," Tanaka said through an interpreter. "But as we get closer to the game day, I'm sure that excitement will come along."

Tanaka, 25, has been slotted as the Yanks' fourth starter to open the season, so his debut will come on April 4 at Rogers Centre in Toronto.

"I understand how good the lineup is for the Blue Jays, but once I get on the mound, I just have to try to go out there and do my best," Tanaka said.

After signing a seven-year, $155 million contract with the Yankees this past offseason, Tanaka said that he has been pleased with the transition process.

"I feel that I was able to come up here without any big issues or problems," Tanaka said.

Infielder Ryan likely to begin season on DL

TAMPA, Fla. -- Infielder Brendan Ryan (pinched nerve in upper back) is likely to begin the year on the 15-day disabled list, Yankees manager Joe Girardi said.

"He is feeling better, but I'd be really surprised if he started on the 25-man roster and not on the DL," Girardi said.

Ryan said that he had a cortisone injection on Saturday and has regained almost all of his range of motion, but he has not played since March 4 and has just eight at-bats this spring, making it difficult to envision breaking camp with the team.

"Just probably going off the at-bats, yeah," Ryan said. "I'm definitely not pushing for anything. Whatever is best, and it seems like if you really roll into the season having eight at-bats, I don't think that would be responsible to the team.

"We talked about pitch recognition the last time we talked; I've got to see some breaking balls and stuff like that. Not to mention, I probably only saw a handful of balls in the field. I'll get a chance to come out here and play on the back fields, see some reps at second and third also."

With Eduardo Nunez likely to be on the Opening Day roster, Girardi could choose between Dean Anna and Yangervis Solarte for an extra backup infield spot.

"All those guys in those positions have played extremely well," Girardi said. "That's a tough decision, too."

Bombers bits

Catcher John Ryan Murphy was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday, leaving Francisco Cervelli and Austin Romine to battle for the role of Brian McCann's backup. Cervelli is believed to be in the lead, enjoying a spring that has seen him hit .455 with four homers and seven RBIs.

"He's played extremely well," Girardi said. "I'll announce it when the time is right, but he's played extremely well."

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Tanaka not yet thinking about first MLB start

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 3/25/2014 9:33 P.M. ET

TAMPA, Fla. -- Masahiro Tanaka is still more than a week away from throwing his first pitch in a Major League game, which explains why the Yankees right-hander's expression remains placid on the topic.

"Maybe it's that I'm not thinking too much, but right now I'm not overly excited," Tanaka said through an interpreter. "But as we get closer to the game day, I'm sure that excitement will come along."

Tanaka, 25, has been slotted as the Yanks' fourth starter to open the season, so his debut will come on April 4 at Rogers Centre in Toronto.

"I understand how good the lineup is for the Blue Jays, but once I get on the mound, I just have to try to go out there and do my best," Tanaka said.

After signing a seven-year, $155 million contract with the Yankees this past offseason, Tanaka said that he has been pleased with the transition process.

"I feel that I was able to come up here without any big issues or problems," Tanaka said.

Ellsbury tests sore right calf in Minors game

TAMPA, Fla. -- Jacoby Ellsbury logged six plate appearances in a Minor League game on Tuesday, testing his sore right calf, and the Yankees outfielder is confident that he will be able to avoid a trip to the disabled list.

"Today was the first step in the sense of just playing in a game," Ellsbury said. "I've been running and sprinting, doing all that stuff. I've hit every day for the most part since I've been playing. It feels pretty good."

Ellsbury has not played in a Grapefruit League game since March 14 due to the sore calf. Facing pitchers from the Double-A Trenton squad, Ellsbury grounded out, lined out, walked twice, struck out looking and singled to center field.

Ellsbury was replaced by pinch-runners once he reached first base, but he said that he felt normal with his first steps out of the box. Ellsbury said that he would probably test running first to third on Wednesday, and did not play defense because of a soggy outfield.

"Today was just to get some swings in, not run the bases," Ellsbury said.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that Ellsbury will probably play in another Minor League game on Wednesday, and for backdating purposes, Ellsbury will not play in a Grapefruit League game until the club is absolutely certain he will not need to go on the DL.

"I feel pretty good about it, but I can't say I'm absolutely sure until we run him out in the outfield and see how he does," Girardi said.

Ellsbury said that he feels ready to play in a full game if the Yankees wanted him to, and has no doubt about being in the Opening Day lineup on April 1 against the Astros in Houston.

"The best thing about it is we have time right now," Ellsbury said. "I play center field, you need to cover a lot of ground, steal bases, do a lot of different things as far as using my legs. We just want to make sure it's 100 percent, but as far as me not being ready, in that regard, I'll be good to go."

Phelps, Warren, Nuno take news in stride

TAMPA, Fla. -- As pleased as the Yankees were to see Michael Pineda earn the fifth-starter's job this spring, that decision forced some uncomfortable conversations with runners-up David Phelps, Adam Warren and Vidal Nuno.

"I know they want to start," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "I'm not going to sugarcoat that ... that's what they've done their whole career. I think they took it pretty well and I think they just want to help us win."

Phelps said that it was "disappointing" to be told that he will be beginning the season in the bullpen, but the Yankees right-hander said that he believes he can fill whatever role is asked of him.

"I'd hope so," Phelps said. "When I was in the bullpen in '12, I kind of did everything except for close. It's not different than going out for a start; you just have to get guys out.

"The situation gets a little bit more magnified in the bullpen because you're pitching later in games, but still, [it's] going out, throwing strikes and getting guys out."

Warren started on Tuesday against the Phillies and pitched a scoreless inning, transitioning into his relief role. Phelps allowed an unearned run in the second inning, while Nuno served up two solo homers in the third.

Phelps and Warren seem to be assured of breaking camp with the team, while Nuno could pitch in relief or start at Triple-A. Not surprisingly, Nuno's preference would be to stay on the big league roster.

"It's always nice to be up here. I'm always just trying to help the team win, in any aspect," Nuno said. "Right now, my role is in the bullpen, so I've got to stick with it and do my best every day."

As a measure of silver lining, Girardi said that it is important to remember that the Yankees will almost certainly need more than five starters this season.

"When you name a starter, that doesn't mean that these guys won't start at some point this year," Girardi said. "And I told them that, too."

Infielder Ryan likely to begin season on DL

TAMPA, Fla. -- Infielder Brendan Ryan (pinched nerve in upper back) is likely to begin the year on the 15-day disabled list, Yankees manager Joe Girardi said.

"He is feeling better, but I'd be really surprised if he started on the 25-man roster and not on the DL," Girardi said.

Ryan said that he had a cortisone injection on Saturday and has regained almost all of his range of motion, but he has not played since March 4 and has just eight at-bats this spring, making it difficult to envision breaking camp with the team.

"Just probably going off the at-bats, yeah," Ryan said. "I'm definitely not pushing for anything. Whatever is best, and it seems like if you really roll into the season having eight at-bats, I don't think that would be responsible to the team.

"We talked about pitch recognition the last time we talked; I've got to see some breaking balls and stuff like that. Not to mention, I probably only saw a handful of balls in the field. I'll get a chance to come out here and play on the back fields, see some reps at second and third also."

With Eduardo Nunez likely to be on the Opening Day roster, Girardi could choose between Dean Anna and Yangervis Solarte for an extra backup infield spot.

"All those guys in those positions have played extremely well," Girardi said. "That's a tough decision, too."

Bombers bits

Catcher John Ryan Murphy was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday, leaving Francisco Cervelli and Austin Romine to battle for the role of Brian McCann's backup. Cervelli is believed to be in the lead, enjoying a spring that has seen him hit .455 with four homers and seven RBIs.

"He's played extremely well," Girardi said. "I'll announce it when the time is right, but he's played extremely well."

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Infielder Ryan likely to begin season on DL

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 3/25/2014 9:33 P.M. ET

TAMPA, Fla. -- Infielder Brendan Ryan (pinched nerve in upper back) is likely to begin the year on the 15-day disabled list, Yankees manager Joe Girardi said.

"He is feeling better, but I'd be really surprised if he started on the 25-man roster and not on the DL," Girardi said.

Ryan said that he had a cortisone injection on Saturday and has regained almost all of his range of motion, but he has not played since March 4 and has just eight at-bats this spring, making it difficult to envision breaking camp with the team.

"Just probably going off the at-bats, yeah," Ryan said. "I'm definitely not pushing for anything. Whatever is best, and it seems like if you really roll into the season having eight at-bats, I don't think that would be responsible to the team.

"We talked about pitch recognition the last time we talked; I've got to see some breaking balls and stuff like that. Not to mention, I probably only saw a handful of balls in the field. I'll get a chance to come out here and play on the back fields, see some reps at second and third also."

With Eduardo Nunez likely to be on the Opening Day roster, Girardi could choose between Dean Anna and Yangervis Solarte for an extra backup infield spot.

"All those guys in those positions have played extremely well," Girardi said. "That's a tough decision, too."

Ellsbury tests sore right calf in Minors game

TAMPA, Fla. -- Jacoby Ellsbury logged six plate appearances in a Minor League game on Tuesday, testing his sore right calf, and the Yankees outfielder is confident that he will be able to avoid a trip to the disabled list.

"Today was the first step in the sense of just playing in a game," Ellsbury said. "I've been running and sprinting, doing all that stuff. I've hit every day for the most part since I've been playing. It feels pretty good."

Ellsbury has not played in a Grapefruit League game since March 14 due to the sore calf. Facing pitchers from the Double-A Trenton squad, Ellsbury grounded out, lined out, walked twice, struck out looking and singled to center field.

Ellsbury was replaced by pinch-runners once he reached first base, but he said that he felt normal with his first steps out of the box. Ellsbury said that he would probably test running first to third on Wednesday, and did not play defense because of a soggy outfield.

"Today was just to get some swings in, not run the bases," Ellsbury said.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that Ellsbury will probably play in another Minor League game on Wednesday, and for backdating purposes, Ellsbury will not play in a Grapefruit League game until the club is absolutely certain he will not need to go on the DL.

"I feel pretty good about it, but I can't say I'm absolutely sure until we run him out in the outfield and see how he does," Girardi said.

Ellsbury said that he feels ready to play in a full game if the Yankees wanted him to, and has no doubt about being in the Opening Day lineup on April 1 against the Astros in Houston.

"The best thing about it is we have time right now," Ellsbury said. "I play center field, you need to cover a lot of ground, steal bases, do a lot of different things as far as using my legs. We just want to make sure it's 100 percent, but as far as me not being ready, in that regard, I'll be good to go."

Phelps, Warren, Nuno take news in stride

TAMPA, Fla. -- As pleased as the Yankees were to see Michael Pineda earn the fifth-starter's job this spring, that decision forced some uncomfortable conversations with runners-up David Phelps, Adam Warren and Vidal Nuno.

"I know they want to start," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "I'm not going to sugarcoat that ... that's what they've done their whole career. I think they took it pretty well and I think they just want to help us win."

Phelps said that it was "disappointing" to be told that he will be beginning the season in the bullpen, but the Yankees right-hander said that he believes he can fill whatever role is asked of him.

"I'd hope so," Phelps said. "When I was in the bullpen in '12, I kind of did everything except for close. It's not different than going out for a start; you just have to get guys out.

"The situation gets a little bit more magnified in the bullpen because you're pitching later in games, but still, [it's] going out, throwing strikes and getting guys out."

Warren started on Tuesday against the Phillies and pitched a scoreless inning, transitioning into his relief role. Phelps allowed an unearned run in the second inning, while Nuno served up two solo homers in the third.

Phelps and Warren seem to be assured of breaking camp with the team, while Nuno could pitch in relief or start at Triple-A. Not surprisingly, Nuno's preference would be to stay on the big league roster.

"It's always nice to be up here. I'm always just trying to help the team win, in any aspect," Nuno said. "Right now, my role is in the bullpen, so I've got to stick with it and do my best every day."

As a measure of silver lining, Girardi said that it is important to remember that the Yankees will almost certainly need more than five starters this season.

"When you name a starter, that doesn't mean that these guys won't start at some point this year," Girardi said. "And I told them that, too."

Tanaka not yet thinking about first MLB start

TAMPA, Fla. -- Masahiro Tanaka is still more than a week away from throwing his first pitch in a Major League game, which explains why the Yankees right-hander's expression remains placid on the topic.

"Maybe it's that I'm not thinking too much, but right now I'm not overly excited," Tanaka said through an interpreter. "But as we get closer to the game day, I'm sure that excitement will come along."

Tanaka, 25, has been slotted as the Yanks' fourth starter to open the season, so his debut will come on April 4 at Rogers Centre in Toronto.

"I understand how good the lineup is for the Blue Jays, but once I get on the mound, I just have to try to go out there and do my best," Tanaka said.

After signing a seven-year, $155 million contract with the Yankees this past offseason, Tanaka said that he has been pleased with the transition process.

"I feel that I was able to come up here without any big issues or problems," Tanaka said.

Bombers bits

Catcher John Ryan Murphy was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday, leaving Francisco Cervelli and Austin Romine to battle for the role of Brian McCann's backup. Cervelli is believed to be in the lead, enjoying a spring that has seen him hit .455 with four homers and seven RBIs.

"He's played extremely well," Girardi said. "I'll announce it when the time is right, but he's played extremely well."

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Girardi not worried about Jeter, Teixeira

By Phil Rogers / MLB.com | 3/23/2014 5:59 P.M. ET

TAMPA, Fla. -- Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira did nothing against the Blue Jays on Sunday to alleviate concerns about their struggles at the plate during Spring Training. But Yankees manager Joe Girardi said he's not worried, at least not yet.

"Guys have been through Spring Trainings like this before," Girardi said. "I can remember a lot of times [guys] didn't hit in the spring and then came out hot [in the regular season]. No one wants to waste [hits] in Spring Training.''

Jeter grounded into a double play while going 0-for-3 off Mark Buehrle and is hitting .114. He did make a good defensive play, reacting quickly with the infield in to take a hit away from Chris Getz in the fifth inning.

"I'm not really too worried about it," Girardi said. "It is Spring Training. He was off almost a year and a half. He feels better at the plate. He says his timing is getting better.''

Teixeira played all nine innings at first base, going 0-for-4. He chased a low pitch to strike out against lefty Steve Delabar in the ninth inning, which dropped his average to .115. He's homerless in 26 at-bats.

Girardi gives Ellsbury additional time to heal

TAMPA, Fla. -- While Jacoby Ellsbury went through a full workout, he wasn't penciled in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Blue Jays.

"I felt good today," said Ellsbury, who has downplayed concern that the injury could land him on the disabled list.

"Even when it started, I thought I could play that day," he said. "But it's one of those things where we have the luxury of Spring Training and letting it get 100 percent. That's pretty much what it's been. At this point, I'm not feeling anything too much in the calf. I run bases, use my legs. Why not let it get to be 100 percent?''

Yankees manager Joe Girardi wants to give his center fielder two more days to rest the right calf muscle he tweaked last weekend. Ellsbury underwent an MRI on the calf during the week, and no major damage was found.

Barring a setback, Girardi said that Ellsbury is scheduled to play in a Minor League game on Tuesday before hopefully returning to the Yankees' lineup Wednesday. That would provide him with the possibility of playing five games to get ready for the April 1 opener at Houston. He's among the group of Yankees veterans who hasn't hit much this spring, batting .174 with one home run in nine games.

Bullpen hopeful Betances comes up big in seventh

TAMPA, Fla. -- Yankees pitcher Dellin Betances said he didn't notice Jose Bautista slinging his bat after a bases-loaded strikeout. "I'm just trying to get the next guy out,'' he said.

That next guy was Edwin Encarnacion, and Betances set him down, too. He flied out to left fielder Brett Gardner to leave the bases loaded in the seventh inning of the Yankees' 3-1 loss to the Blue Jays on Sunday.

Score a major step forward in Betances' campaign for a spot in the Yankees' bullpen.

Once a highly touted prospect as a starter, Betances reinvented himself after a move to the bullpen last year. He has had a strong Spring Training, allowing only four hits in 10 1/3 innings over eight outings.

Even if Betances didn't notice Bautista slinging his bat after home-plate umpire Mark Wegner called him out on strikes, manager Joe Girardi certainly did.

"Sure I [noticed]," Girardi said. "He has really good stuff. Those guys [Bautista and Encarnacion] aren't going to give at-bats away. When Bautista slings his bat, you know he's not giving anything away.''

While Betances hasn't earned his spot in a seven-man bullpen, he isn't likely to be sent out of camp in the next few days, when the next cuts are expected to be made. Girardi said the bullpen picture should "get much clearer on Tuesday,'' but he's not expected to set his Opening Day roster until next weekend.

"Every time I go out there this spring, it means something,'' Betances said. "I'm fighting for a spot every time out. I'm trying to make the best impression. I feel good, but it's not up to me. There's stuff I can improve on. The whole pitching staff has pitched great.''

Worth noting

• Girardi said that shortstop Brendan Ryan reported some improvement in his back and oblique, but he is expected to open the season on the disabled list.

• While the Yankees are off on Monday, Ivan Nova will get in some work to stay on track. He is slated to pitch in a Minor League game at the Himes Complex at 1 p.m. ET.

Phil Rogers is a columnist for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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With big shoes to fill, Robertson trying to be himself

TAMPA, Fla. -- The worst-kept secret in any big league camp finally became a reality for David Robertson this month when a member of the Yankees' coaching staff officially referred to him for the first time as Mariano Rivera's successor.

There was no great coronation for the man who is succeeding baseball's all-time saves leader, though it also is not as though there was any great suspense in the air. The remark came in an off-hand comment from pitching coach Larry Rothschild, solidifying what had been widely assumed all spring.

"Larry said it to me in the bullpen about two weeks ago: 'It's you this year,'" Robertson said. "It's nice to hear it, but until we start Opening Day, then I'll know for sure. I think they know that I know. We all know. It doesn't need to be talked about. No need for added pressure; just try to get the job done."

It is the opportunity that Robertson has been hoping for since at least the moment he packed his bags following last season's game No. 162 in Houston. He said that he avoided reading the offseason rumors about the closer's role, not wanting to pollute his preparation for the upcoming season.

Managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner anointed Robertson the closer in January, a headline that -- at least for Robertson -- fell under the category of "wait and see." The Yankees ultimately passed on the crop of free agents who might have come in to compete, and manager Joe Girardi says now that he is "very comfortable" with handing Robertson the job.

"We said all along, with the people that we had, it was basically his job," Girardi said. "But sometimes through free agency people are added and then it changes the dynamic. You never commit to someone completely until the offseason is over, but he's our closer."

As Robertson puts it: "When I showed up and there was no one else here, I thought, 'I guess now it's my turn.'"

After a 162-game schedule that doubled as Rivera's farewell tour, the cherry came during last weekend's visit to Panama. Before the first game against the Marlins, Robertson caught a ceremonial first pitch from Rivera, which Rivera called a "passing of the torch."

"My wish and my prayers are that Robertson can do the job," Rivera said. "Hopefully he has some help in the bullpen and he can do that."

Robertson, who made his big league debut with the Yanks in 2008, has had time to prepare. He said that during those nights he shared a bullpen with Rivera, he would try to focus on watching what Rivera did leading up to the ninth inning, rather than what was said.

"I can't put my finger on one thing," Robertson said. "I feel like he always told me, 'Be you out there.' I just watched how he did it himself, how he was so consistent and never let what happened in the game affect him.

"He was just Mr. Consistent. I think there was one stretch last year where he had three blown saves in a row, and you couldn't tell the difference when he came in. He was still the same exact guy."

Robertson has experienced some rough stretches himself over the years, including one blown save in May 2012 -- shortly after Rivera's season-ending knee injury -- that seemed crushing at the time.

That night, when Robertson inherited a one-run lead and allowed four to the Rays, he couldn't resist logging onto his Twitter account (@drob30). Pleasantly surprised by the lack of vitriol, he tweeted a message to the fans and thanked them for their support.

"That's the hardest part. It comes with time," Robertson said. "That was a couple of years ago now. Now, I can go home, I can get sleep about it, see the family, return the next day and be ready to go. You may have got me yesterday, but I'm going to get you today."

Robertson was a closer at the University of Alabama and had a smattering of experience in the role coming up through the Yankees' Minor League chain, but this will be his first extended opportunity in the big leagues. He was 5-1 with a 2.04 ERA and three saves in 70 appearances last year, and while his track record of 8-for-18 in save chances does not pop off the page, Robertson explains those numbers as a small, quirky sample size.

"You lose a game or you lose the lead, any game with a lost lead, it's a blown save," Robertson said. "In actual save opportunities where I've come in for the ninth, I've got three or four in a row. There's not a lot of ballgames to work with. It's the same thing. You've got to get outs; got to make pitches. It's still the same game, just a different inning."

About the only area where Robertson is prepared to cede a victory to Rivera comes in the music department. Rivera's entrance to Metallica's "Enter Sandman" was an iconic all-timer, and no one will ever think of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" as an intimidating, ominous tune.

"I'm going to stick with it for a while," Robertson said. "Let me get some saves under my belt before I start thinking about changing it. I like my song. It relaxes me, mellows me out, and it reminds me of where I came from and how I got here."

Though the Yankees hope that it won't be necessary to interrupt Rivera's retirement so soon, it is comforting to know that his wisdom will be only a phone call and a short drive away in New York's Westchester County.

During the Panama trip, Robertson said that the Yanks were bombarding Rivera with autograph requests, trying to snare keepsakes for family and friends -- and maybe just one last piece for themselves. In that madness, Robertson was able to sneak a few words in.

"I told him, 'Come by the clubhouse. Come hang out,'" Robertson said. "'If I start stinking, come give me a pitching lesson. Show me what I'm doing wrong.' I expect him to show up once a month or so. He should. I think he'll get bored."

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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CC, Kuroda, Nova scheduled for opening series

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 3/24/2014 9:04 P.M. ET

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Yankees have set their likely starting rotation for the season-opening series against the Astros in Houston, which projects to send Masahiro Tanaka out for his big league debut on April 4 against the Blue Jays in Toronto.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi confirmed to reporters on Monday that the club has scheduled CC Sabathia, Hiroki Kuroda and Ivan Nova for starts in the April 1-3 series in Houston. That would permit Tanaka to fly ahead of the team and be waiting to start on April 4 at Rogers Centre.

Tanaka, 25, signed a seven-year, $155 million contract with the Yankees this past offseason, and he has posted a 3.00 ERA in four spring outings spanning 15 innings. The Yankees have been mindful of easing him into the workload of a five-man rotation after Tanaka pitched once per week for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles in Japan.

By lining up to pitch the Yanks' fourth game of the year, Tanaka would gain an extra day of rest his third time through the pitching order. The decision also splits up Kuroda and Tanaka, as Girardi has noted that their pitching styles are similar.

If the Yankees can stay on rotation, Tanaka would make his first Yankee Stadium start on April 9 against the Orioles, then be back on the mound in the Bronx for the April 15 game against the Cubs.

Girardi said that the Yankees have also reached a decision on their fifth starter, but he was not prepared to announce it publicly "because we haven't talked to everyone involved."

"I would love to tell you everything, but I haven't talked to the guys and it's not fair," Girardi said.

An official announcement is expected on Tuesday, but it is believed that Michael Pineda won the job after going 2-1 with a 1.20 ERA in four spring games (three starts). In 15 innings, Pineda permitted three runs (two earned) and 14 hits, walking one and striking out 16.

Girardi said that "it's possible" the Yankees could keep all three of the rotation runner-ups in the bullpen to begin the season. David Phelps, Adam Warren and Vidal Nuno have also been in competition to serve as the fifth starter.

"The important thing to me is taking what we feel is the best 12 guys," Girardi said. "It's something we've got to talk about a little bit [Tuesday]."

The manager added that the Yankees are close to naming the backup to starting catcher Brian McCann. Francisco Cervelli is believed to be well in the lead, having batted .455 (15-for-33) with four home runs and seven RBIs in 13 spring games.

"That's another thing we may wait to announce, but we're pretty sure of what we're going to do," Girardi said.

In other updates, outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury (sore right calf) is scheduled to play in a Minor League game on Tuesday at the Yankees' Himes Avenue complex, and infielder Brendan Ryan (pinched nerve) received treatment on Monday.

Girardi has said that if Ryan is unavailable to play on Tuesday, he would likely begin the season on the disabled list, opening a spot on the Yankees' Opening Day roster for another backup infielder.

In that event, Girardi has said that he would take two of three from the group of Eduardo Nunez, Dean Anna and non-roster invitee Yangervis Solarte, all of whom could serve as a backup to shortstop Derek Jeter.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Pineda could be a difference-maker for Yankees

TAMPA, Fla. -- Michael Pineda has had better days this spring. But if this is what he can do when he is not especially on, then you can see why he was an All-Star his rookie season with the Mariners and why he has been one of the best surprises in the Grapefruit League for the Yankees.

The regular season is fast approaching, and there are questions about the Yankees' lineup. But as for the rebuilt starting rotation, manager Joe Girardi's thoughts should be fairly clear.

Bring it on.

CC Sabathia is getting outs without his old velocity. Masahiro Tanaka is making a smooth transition to Major League Baseball. Hiroki Kuroda and Ivan Nova have been solid, as always. And the Yankees have depth they did not have last year.

Credit Pineda. The 25-year-old right-hander isn't overpowering hitters, as general manager Brian Cashman had expected him to when he traded Jesus Montero to get him from the Mariners in January 2012, but he has worked his way back from career-threatening shoulder surgery to become a pitcher with a different kind of promise.

"You're never really sure what you'll have when they come back [from that surgery]," Girardi said after Sunday's 3-1 loss to Toronto at George M. Steinbrenner Field. "But he's come back really good."

Pineda agrees. His belief in himself has grown throughout a Spring Training that has been the opposite of the painful one in 2012, when he arrived with expectations as oversized as his build (he's listed at 6-foot-7, 265 pounds) and had a hard time getting on the mound because of problems in his shoulder, leading to a complicated surgery that May to repair a tear in the labrum.

"Everything is doing good," Pineda said. "I'm the same Michael Pineda."

That's saying something. As a rookie in 2011, he held hitters to a .211 batting average and compiled a 1.1 WHIP. That's the neighborhood that is generally occupied by No. 1 starters like Yu Darvish, David Price, Chris Sale and Max Scherzer.

A scout with an American League team watched Pineda for the third time on Sunday. He's been so impressed that he said Pineda could be a middle-of-the-rotation guy for many teams, and possibly even a No. 2 starter for some.

Girardi has not handed Pineda a spot in the Yankees' rotation yet, but that is likely to change after an off-day on Monday. While David Phelps has also pitched well, and Girardi said that Adam Warren and Vidal Nuno haven't been eliminated, Pineda appears to have won the battle for the fifth-starter's job.

Pineda, who took the loss against the Blue Jays, had not allowed a run until Sunday. He had 14 strikeouts and one walk entering the start, using a 92-93 mph fastball to set up his wipeout slider. He used his changeup and curveball more against the Jays than he had earlier this spring, perhaps because he knew he'd work three times through the batting order.

Melky Cabrera and Adam Lind ripped long doubles off Pineda, who struck out only two in his six innings. He hurt himself with a throwing error and also hit batter, but he flashed his potential by holding Jose Bautista to a quiet 0-for-3.

Bautista grounded back to the mound on an 82-mph changeup in the first inning. In the third, Pineda buzzed Bautista inside with a 1-1 fastball, getting a strike as Bautista tried to check his swing, and then retired him on a grounder to second baseman Brian Roberts. Bautista popped out to first baseman Mark Teixeira in the fifth inning.

Catcher Brian McCann said Pineda has been producing "awkward swings'' all spring, and the work against Bautista was a perfect example. Pineda also showed some athleticism by breaking across the infield to cover first on a double play that Teixeira started in the second.

"We practice it all the time, covering first," Pineda said. "That's what I was doing."

Pineda was as excited as Teixeira, who pumped his fist after the double play. It wasn't just that he had escaped a jam that had started with an error by third baseman Eduardo Nunez, but that he was completing his case to go to Houston with Girardi's team for Opening Day.

"He's been good,'' Girardi said. "His changeup's been good. His slider's been really good. His fastball's been good. I think his command is getting better, too, every time he goes out.''

The Yankees outbid the Cubs, Dodgers and others for Tanaka because they didn't feel they had enough pitching to compete against the Red Sox, Rays and Orioles. Imagine if Pineda steps up to show them they had an ace up their sleeve.

That would be really interesting.

Phil Rogers is a columnist for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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