Wishing Yankees icon Jeter a happy 40th birthday

This is 40, Derek Jeter. How does it feel?

"It's like turning any other number," you said Wednesday, on the eve of the big Four-Oh. "I don't really pay much attention to numbers, so it's no different to me."

Just the sort of vanilla response we've come to expect from Derek Jeter.

But something tells us you'll celebrate in style, because we've also come to expect you to rise to any occasion.

The Yankees are off on your big day, a happy coincidence and cause for a bash fit for a Captain.

"I'm pretty sure some family and friends will do something," you said, "like they do for every one of my birthdays and their birthdays."

Soon, those family and friends will have you around more often. Your calendar will give way to an open-ended slate of off-days. You'll get away from the daily privilege of putting on the pinstripes, the daily rituals of BP and ground balls and hearing the voice of God introduce "Numbuh 2," the daily scrutiny that comes with a career on the big stage of the Bronx.

You'll always be Derek Jeter, baseball icon. But soon you'll have more quiet moments to be Derek Jeter, human being. You've hinted at starting a family, summering in Europe, enjoying the fruits of your lifetime labor of love.

You've earned it, buddy.

In the meantime, though, pardon us if we take this occasion to reflect -- again -- on all you've done in and around the game. Because for many of us, it's hard to believe the face of baseball is 40, his career soon coming to a close.

"You don't see people play until they're 40," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said when the topic of your birthday was broached. "If they are, it's usually in a different league. It's pretty remarkable, the career he's had and what he's been able to do. I tip my cap to him."

There's been a lot of that lately, hasn't there, Derek? The tips of the cap and the salutes to your status?

Midway through the 2014 season, you've already been feted with numerous gifts and video tributes on various road stops. You've been discussed in sometimes embarrassingly reverent tones by certain scribes and TV types. One particularly hilarious opponent broadcast provided a "scouting report" that, in lieu of actual in-game discussion, lauded you as the "consummate pro and leader" and an "example to players at all levels" (true, but not exactly tactical).

You're probably uncomfortable with all this, because you never asked to be treated like baseball royalty and certainly not like a baseball deity. In fact, you've spent your entire career making an honest effort to not draw attention to yourself for anything other than your play.

Little wonder, then, that you find the fuss over your 40th to be amusing.

"I'm sorry if you guys want it to be different for me," you told reporters. "It's really not. It's like any other birthday."

Age, though, has its effects in the game you play. There's no denying that. The bat slows, the legs ache, the day-to-day recovery is a little more difficult. You've been the first to admit that 2014, after all that time missed last season, has been an adjustment, and the .267 average and .649 OPS provide ample evidence. Girardi has been careful to rest you when it makes sense ("You don't see us run him out there 14 days in a row," he said), and this, too, has been an adjustment for you.

"My mindset is to treat it no differently than any other age," you said. "That's just how I cope with it. If you sit around and start talking about how you're getting older, then I think mentally you cause yourself some problems. For me, I don't think about it. ... I played 159 games two years ago. My job is to be ready to play every day."

The earnestness with which you approach your job is, ultimately, what has drawn people to you, Derek. "The Flip," "The Dive," the rings and the many milestones are all born out of that genuine love and respect for the sport.

Here on your 40th, we thank you and applaud you for that.

So take this brief birthday break, and then get back to it. The Red Sox are coming to town, there are 85 games remaining in this Yankees season, and we know you've got your eye on a second-half hot streak and one last October.

On behalf of all baseball fans, here's to good health and a satisfying goodbye. Here's to the first 40, the next 40, and whatever amazing moments life still has in store for you.

This is 40. Wear it as well as you wear those pinstripes.

Anthony Castrovince is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his columns and follow him on Twitter at @Castrovince. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Derek Jeter's road to 40

MLB.com | 6/26/2014 1:07 A.M. ET

17 years, 11 months, 6 days: The shortstop from Central (Kalamazoo, Mich.) is taken by the Yankees with the sixth overall pick in the Draft.

20 years, 3 months, 5 days: Jeter is named Baseball America's Minor Leaguer of the Year.

20 years, 11 months, 4 days: Jeter's seeing-eye single off the Mariners' Tim Belcher is the first hit of his career. Watch

21 years, 9 months, 7 days: Jeter takes Dennis Martinez deep on Opening Day for his first homer. Watch

22 years, 3 months, 13 days: In Game 1 of the American League Championship Series, Jeter's fly ball makes 12-year-old Jeffrey Maier a household name. Watch

22 years, 4 months, 9 days: Fresh off his first World Series win, Jeter is named the unanimous choice for the AL Rookie of the Year Award.

26 years, 15 days: With a 3-for-3 showing and two RBIs, Jeter is named MVP of the 2000 All-Star Game. Watch

26 years, 3 months, 29 days: Jeter leads off Game 4 of the Subway Series with a homer, en route to Series MVP honors. Watch

27 years, 3 months, 17 days: "The Flip." Need we say more? Watch

27 years, 4 months, 5 days, 4 minutes: Jeter becomes "Mr. November" with a 12:04 a.m. ET walk-off winner against the D-backs in the 2001 World Series. Watch

28 years, 11 months, 8 days: Jeter is named the 14th captain in Yankees history.

30 years, 5 days: Jeter dives into the stands for his famous 12th-inning catch against the Red Sox. Watch

34 years, 2 months, 26 days: Surrounded by his teammates, Jeter makes the final farewell speech at old Yankee Stadium. Watch

35 years, 2 months, 16 days: With hit No. 2,722, Jeter passes Lou Gehrig for first place on the Yanks' all-time list. Watch

37 years, 13 days: Jeter becomes the second player ever (joining Wade Boggs) to notch No. 3,000 on a home run. Watch

39 years, 1 month, 2 days: Jeter returns from a broken ankle in dramatic fashion with a first-pitch homer. Watch

39 years, 7 months, 17 days: Jeter announces on his Facebook page that the 2014 season will be his last. Watch

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.24 | 0 komentar | Read More

Yankees prospect Clarkin solid for Class A Charleston

By Teddy Cahill / MLB.com | 6/26/2014 11:13 P.M. ET

Left-hander Ian Clarkin, the Yankees' No. 7 prospect, threw six scoreless innings Thursday, helping Class A Charleston defeat Savannah, 9-0. He combined with reliever Eric Ruth for a two-hit shutout against the Mets' affiliate.

Charleston took an early lead Thursday, thanks to a first-inning grand slam by third baseman Miguel Andujar, the Yankees' No. 18 prospect. He finished the night 2-for-3 with two runs, six RBIs and a walk.

While the offense started quickly Thursday, Clarkin was wild at the outset of the game. He issued walks to the first two batters in the first inning before settling down to throw four hitless innings. Though a leadoff single in the fifth inning ended any thought of a no-hitter, he finished his night strong, whiffing four of the last five batters he faced.

Clarkin finished his night with seven strikeouts and allowed one hit and four walks. He threw 80 pitches in six innings, matching the longest start of his young career.

The Yankees selected Clarkin with the 33rd overall pick of the 2013 First-Year Player Draft. In his first full professional season, he is 3-3 with a 3.08 ERA in 11 starts. He has struck out 57 batters and walked 15 in 52 2/3 innings.

Teddy Cahill is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @tedcahill. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.24 | 0 komentar | Read More

Yankees prospect Severino throws six hitless innings

By Teddy Cahill / MLB.com | 6/25/2014 4:30 P.M. ET

Right-hander Luis Severino, the Yankees' No. 9 prospect, threw six hitless innings Wednesday. While Class A Advanced Tampa's bullpen was unable to complete the combined no-hitter, the Yankees easily defeated Clearwater, 9-3.

Severino was making his second start since being promoted to Tampa. He retired the first 10 batters he faced, before issuing a walk to Phillies' No. 3 prospect J.P. Crawford. Undeterred, Severino set down the next eight hitters in order to end his day.

The combined no-hitter quickly came to an end when right-hander Stefan Lopez relieved Severino to start the seventh inning. Crawford led off with a single, and the Threshers went on to score three runs on two hits and a walk in the inning.

Severino struck out six batters and induced eight ground-ball outs Wednesday. It was his first hitless outing since June 5, 2012, when, in his professional debut, he didn't allow a hit in five innings with the Yankees' Dominican Summer League affiliate.

Severino's latest gem came a day after it was announced that he would represent the World team in the Sirius XM All-Star Futures Game next month at Target Field. The Dominican native began the season with Class A Charleston, where he posted a 2.79 ERA and struck out 70 batters in 67 2/3 innings. He was promoted to Tampa after the South Atlantic League All-Star break last week.

Tampa gave Severino plenty of run support Wednesday. First baseman Greg Bird, the Yankees' No. 6 prospect, went 3-for-5 with a run and a walk. Right fielder Aaron Judge, the club's No. 8 prospect, added a two-run triple, two walks and a run.

Teddy Cahill is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @tedcahill. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Wishing Yankees icon Jeter a happy 40th birthday

This is 40, Derek Jeter. How does it feel?

"It's like turning any other number," you said Wednesday, on the eve of the big Four-Oh. "I don't really pay much attention to numbers, so it's no different to me."

Just the sort of vanilla response we've come to expect from Derek Jeter.

But something tells us you'll celebrate in style, because we've also come to expect you to rise to any occasion.

The Yankees are off on your big day, a happy coincidence and cause for a bash fit for a Captain.

"I'm pretty sure some family and friends will do something," you said, "like they do for every one of my birthdays and their birthdays."

Soon, those family and friends will have you around more often. Your calendar will give way to an open-ended slate of off-days. You'll get away from the daily privilege of putting on the pinstripes, the daily rituals of BP and ground balls and hearing the voice of God introduce "Numbuh 2," the daily scrutiny that comes with a career on the big stage of the Bronx.

You'll always be Derek Jeter, baseball icon. But soon you'll have more quiet moments to be Derek Jeter, human being. You've hinted at starting a family, summering in Europe, enjoying the fruits of your lifetime labor of love.

You've earned it, buddy.

In the meantime, though, pardon us if we take this occasion to reflect -- again -- on all you've done in and around the game. Because for many of us, it's hard to believe the face of baseball is 40, his career soon coming to a close.

"You don't see people play until they're 40," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said when the topic of your birthday was broached. "If they are, it's usually in a different league. It's pretty remarkable, the career he's had and what he's been able to do. I tip my cap to him."

There's been a lot of that lately, hasn't there, Derek? The tips of the cap and the salutes to your status?

Midway through the 2014 season, you've already been feted with numerous gifts and video tributes on various road stops. You've been discussed in sometimes embarrassingly reverent tones by certain scribes and TV types. One particularly hilarious opponent broadcast provided a "scouting report" that, in lieu of actual in-game discussion, lauded you as the "consummate pro and leader" and an "example to players at all levels" (true, but not exactly tactical).

You're probably uncomfortable with all this, because you never asked to be treated like baseball royalty and certainly not like a baseball deity. In fact, you've spent your entire career making an honest effort to not draw attention to yourself for anything other than your play.

Little wonder, then, that you find the fuss over your 40th to be amusing.

"I'm sorry if you guys want it to be different for me," you told reporters. "It's really not. It's like any other birthday."

Age, though, has its effects in the game you play. There's no denying that. The bat slows, the legs ache, the day-to-day recovery is a little more difficult. You've been the first to admit that 2014, after all that time missed last season, has been an adjustment, and the .267 average and .649 OPS provide ample evidence. Girardi has been careful to rest you when it makes sense ("You don't see us run him out there 14 days in a row," he said), and this, too, has been an adjustment for you.

"My mindset is to treat it no differently than any other age," you said. "That's just how I cope with it. If you sit around and start talking about how you're getting older, then I think mentally you cause yourself some problems. For me, I don't think about it. ... I played 159 games two years ago. My job is to be ready to play every day."

The earnestness with which you approach your job is, ultimately, what has drawn people to you, Derek. "The Flip," "The Dive," the rings and the many milestones are all born out of that genuine love and respect for the sport.

Here on your 40th, we thank you and applaud you for that.

So take this brief birthday break, and then get back to it. The Red Sox are coming to town, there are 85 games remaining in this Yankees season, and we know you've got your eye on a second-half hot streak and one last October.

On behalf of all baseball fans, here's to good health and a satisfying goodbye. Here's to the first 40, the next 40, and whatever amazing moments life still has in store for you.

This is 40. Wear it as well as you wear those pinstripes.

Anthony Castrovince is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his columns and follow him on Twitter at @Castrovince. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Derek Jeter's road to 40

MLB.com | 6/26/2014 1:07 A.M. ET

17 years, 11 months, 6 days: The shortstop from Central (Kalamazoo, Mich.) is taken by the Yankees with the sixth overall pick in the Draft.

20 years, 3 months, 5 days: Jeter is named Baseball America's Minor Leaguer of the Year.

20 years, 11 months, 4 days: Jeter's seeing-eye single off the Mariners' Tim Belcher is the first hit of his career. Watch

21 years, 9 months, 7 days: Jeter takes Dennis Martinez deep on Opening Day for his first homer. Watch

22 years, 3 months, 13 days: In Game 1 of the American League Championship Series, Jeter's fly ball makes 12-year-old Jeffrey Maier a household name. Watch

22 years, 4 months, 9 days: Fresh off his first World Series win, Jeter is named the unanimous choice for the AL Rookie of the Year Award.

26 years, 15 days: With a 3-for-3 showing and two RBIs, Jeter is named MVP of the 2000 All-Star Game. Watch

26 years, 3 months, 29 days: Jeter leads off Game 4 of the Subway Series with a homer, en route to Series MVP honors. Watch

27 years, 3 months, 17 days: "The Flip." Need we say more? Watch

27 years, 4 months, 5 days, 4 minutes: Jeter becomes "Mr. November" with a 12:04 a.m. ET walk-off winner against the D-backs in the 2001 World Series. Watch

28 years, 11 months, 8 days: Jeter is named the 14th captain in Yankees history.

30 years, 5 days: Jeter dives into the stands for his famous 12th-inning catch against the Red Sox. Watch

34 years, 2 months, 26 days: Surrounded by his teammates, Jeter makes the final farewell speech at old Yankee Stadium. Watch

35 years, 2 months, 16 days: With hit No. 2,722, Jeter passes Lou Gehrig for first place on the Yanks' all-time list. Watch

37 years, 13 days: Jeter becomes the second player ever (joining Wade Boggs) to notch No. 3,000 on a home run. Watch

39 years, 1 month, 2 days: Jeter returns from a broken ankle in dramatic fashion with a first-pitch homer. Watch

39 years, 7 months, 17 days: Jeter announces on his Facebook page that the 2014 season will be his last. Watch

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.24 | 0 komentar | Read More

O'Brien, Severino named to Futures Game roster

By Bryan Hoch and Jamie Ross / MLB.com | 6/25/2014 12:18 A.M. ET

NEW YORK -- Impressive slugger Peter O'Brien and talented right-hander Luis Severino have been tabbed to represent the Yankees at this year's SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game, Major League Baseball announced on Tuesday.

O'Brien will play for the U.S. team and Severino will be in uniform for the World team in the July 13 contest at Target Field in Minnesota. The U.S. Team has won each of the last four Futures Games.

The 24-year-old O'Brien has been showcasing his raw power at Double-A Trenton, where he entered play on Tuesday with 15 home runs and 35 RBIs in 42 games, owning a .228 (37-for-162) batting average.

O'Brien has seen time at catcher, first base, right field and designated hitter this season, with the organization looking to find a place to keep his bat moving through the pipeline.

A second-round pick in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft, O'Brien batted .321 (36-for-112) with 10 homers and 19 RBIs in 30 games with Class A Advanced Tampa before being promoted in early May.

The 20-year-old Severino was 3-2 with a 2.79 ERA in 14 starts for Class A Charleston this season, hurling 67 2/3 innings with 62 hits, 24 runs (21 earned), 15 walks and 70 strikeouts.

A product of the Dominican Republic who signed with the Yankees organization in 2012, Severino is currently with Tampa, where he has made one start. He is ranked as the Yankees' No. 9 prospect by MLB.com.

The 16th annual SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game will take place at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 13, at Target Field in Minneapolis, and it can be seen live on MLB.com and MLB Network, and followed live on MLB.com's Gameday. In addition, XM Radio will broadcast play-by-play coverage of the event live on MLB Network Radio XM 89 and Sirius channel 209. MLB.com will also provide complete coverage before, during and after the game.

Fans can stay updated by following @MLBFutures on Twitter and can send and receive tweets to and from the U.S. and World Team dugouts during the game by tagging tweets with the hashtags #USDugout and #WorldDugout.

Major League Baseball, in conjunction with the Major League Baseball Scouting Bureau, MLB.com, Baseball America and the 30 Major League clubs, selected the 25-man rosters for each club. Each Major League organization is represented, and players from all full-season Minor Leagues were eligible to participate.

CC slated to make first rehab start on Tuesday

TORONTO -- Injured starter CC Sabathia had a productive outing in a simulated game on Tuesday, and he will make his first rehab start on Saturday with Class A Advanced Tampa.

The left-hander, who's been on the 15-day disabled list with a right knee injury for the past six weeks, threw two innings without experiencing any pain on Tuesday, Yankees manager Joe Girardi said.

"It's good, he'll start again on Saturday," said Girardi. "Forty to 45 pitches. ... Everything came out well. Obviously, you're curious to see how he feels tomorrow, but he felt it was successful."

Sabathia is one of three Yankees starters currently on a the disabled list. Michael Pineda is on the 60-day DL with a right shoulder injury, and could return in August. Ivan Nova, meanwhile, is out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in late August.

There's no exact timetable for the 33-year-old's return, but depending on team needs and how well his rehab progresses, there is a slight possibility Sabathia could return by the All-Star break, Girardi said.

"It's getting closer," he said. "You're not sure how many starts he needs to get built up, but once you start to get to that point, four or five starts, it could be a possibility. I wouldn't count on it [before the break], but who knows? Sometimes need has something to do with it."

Beltran no longer throwing, will only DH for now

TORONTO -- Carlos Beltran's return to the outfield won't be happening anytime soon after it was revealed on Tuesday that he experienced forearm tightness while throwing over the weekend.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said he was shutting down Beltran's return to the field, and indicated the 37-year-old would be locked into the designated hitter role for the time being.

"He's not throwing," Girardi said prior to Tuesday's game against the Blue Jays. "It kind of bothered him in a different place. A little bit, not a lot, but we just kind of shut it down."

Beltran hasn't played the outfield since he suffered a right elbow injury in May, which landed him on the 15-day disabled list. Since he was activated June 5, the veteran outfielder has only be used as a DH.

Beltran said the tightness in his forearm occurred on Sunday, and the pain is likely related to the elbow injury he sustained last month.

"It has to be compensation or something that I'm doing," Beltran said. "I was feeling pretty good [on the throwing program], but the forearm was really tight."

Girardi said the using Beltran exclusively as a DH handcuffs him from giving other Yankees position players the opportunity to slide into the role when they need a bit of rest. Players like Brett Gardner and Mark Teixeira could benefit from a day as a DH, he said.

"You'd like to be able to rotate the DH," said Girardi. "But right now, you can't."

McCann bidding to be two-league All-Star backstop

TORONTO -- Yankees catcher Brian McCann snapped his 0-for-9 streak at the plate Tuesday night, and later hit his eighth double of the season in a 7-6 loss to the Blue Jays.

McCann is currently third among American League catchers in 2014 All-Star balloting with 1,344,076 votes, trailing the A's Derek Norris (second place, 1,486,850 votes) and the Orioles' Matt Wieters (1,852,770), who's currently injured.

McCann is a seven-time National League All-Star, and was an All-Star MVP in 2010 when he was with the Braves. The 30-year-old is hitting .223 with eight homers and 34 RBIs with the Yankees this season.

Fans can cast their votes for starters at MLB.com -- online or on a mobile device -- using the 2014 All-Star Game MLB.com Ballot Sponsored by Experian until Thursday, July 3, at 11:59 p.m. ET. The 2014 All-Star Game will be played at Target Field on Tuesday, July 15 on FOX.

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

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

CC slated to make first rehab start on Tuesday

By Bryan Hoch and Jamie Ross / MLB.com | 6/25/2014 12:18 A.M. ET

TORONTO -- Injured starter CC Sabathia had a productive outing in a simulated game on Tuesday, and he will make his first rehab start on Saturday with Class A Advanced Tampa.

The left-hander, who's been on the 15-day disabled list with a right knee injury for the past six weeks, threw two innings without experiencing any pain on Tuesday, Yankees manager Joe Girardi said.

"It's good, he'll start again on Saturday," said Girardi. "Forty to 45 pitches. ... Everything came out well. Obviously, you're curious to see how he feels tomorrow, but he felt it was successful."

Sabathia is one of three Yankees starters currently on a the disabled list. Michael Pineda is on the 60-day DL with a right shoulder injury, and could return in August. Ivan Nova, meanwhile, is out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in late August.

There's no exact timetable for the 33-year-old's return, but depending on team needs and how well his rehab progresses, there is a slight possibility Sabathia could return by the All-Star break, Girardi said.

"It's getting closer," he said. "You're not sure how many starts he needs to get built up, but once you start to get to that point, four or five starts, it could be a possibility. I wouldn't count on it [before the break], but who knows? Sometimes need has something to do with it."

O'Brien, Severino named to Futures Game roster

NEW YORK -- Impressive slugger Peter O'Brien and talented right-hander Luis Severino have been tabbed to represent the Yankees at this year's SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game, Major League Baseball announced on Tuesday.

O'Brien will play for the U.S. team and Severino will be in uniform for the World team in the July 13 contest at Target Field in Minnesota. The U.S. Team has won each of the last four Futures Games.

The 24-year-old O'Brien has been showcasing his raw power at Double-A Trenton, where he entered play on Tuesday with 15 home runs and 35 RBIs in 42 games, owning a .228 (37-for-162) batting average.

O'Brien has seen time at catcher, first base, right field and designated hitter this season, with the organization looking to find a place to keep his bat moving through the pipeline.

A second-round pick in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft, O'Brien batted .321 (36-for-112) with 10 homers and 19 RBIs in 30 games with Class A Advanced Tampa before being promoted in early May.

The 20-year-old Severino was 3-2 with a 2.79 ERA in 14 starts for Class A Charleston this season, hurling 67 2/3 innings with 62 hits, 24 runs (21 earned), 15 walks and 70 strikeouts.

A product of the Dominican Republic who signed with the Yankees organization in 2012, Severino is currently with Tampa, where he has made one start. He is ranked as the Yankees' No. 9 prospect by MLB.com.

The 16th annual SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game will take place at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 13, at Target Field in Minneapolis, and it can be seen live on MLB.com and MLB Network, and followed live on MLB.com's Gameday. In addition, XM Radio will broadcast play-by-play coverage of the event live on MLB Network Radio XM 89 and Sirius channel 209. MLB.com will also provide complete coverage before, during and after the game.

Fans can stay updated by following @MLBFutures on Twitter and can send and receive tweets to and from the U.S. and World Team dugouts during the game by tagging tweets with the hashtags #USDugout and #WorldDugout.

Major League Baseball, in conjunction with the Major League Baseball Scouting Bureau, MLB.com, Baseball America and the 30 Major League clubs, selected the 25-man rosters for each club. Each Major League organization is represented, and players from all full-season Minor Leagues were eligible to participate.

Beltran no longer throwing, will only DH for now

TORONTO -- Carlos Beltran's return to the outfield won't be happening anytime soon after it was revealed on Tuesday that he experienced forearm tightness while throwing over the weekend.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said he was shutting down Beltran's return to the field, and indicated the 37-year-old would be locked into the designated hitter role for the time being.

"He's not throwing," Girardi said prior to Tuesday's game against the Blue Jays. "It kind of bothered him in a different place. A little bit, not a lot, but we just kind of shut it down."

Beltran hasn't played the outfield since he suffered a right elbow injury in May, which landed him on the 15-day disabled list. Since he was activated June 5, the veteran outfielder has only be used as a DH.

Beltran said the tightness in his forearm occurred on Sunday, and the pain is likely related to the elbow injury he sustained last month.

"It has to be compensation or something that I'm doing," Beltran said. "I was feeling pretty good [on the throwing program], but the forearm was really tight."

Girardi said the using Beltran exclusively as a DH handcuffs him from giving other Yankees position players the opportunity to slide into the role when they need a bit of rest. Players like Brett Gardner and Mark Teixeira could benefit from a day as a DH, he said.

"You'd like to be able to rotate the DH," said Girardi. "But right now, you can't."

McCann bidding to be two-league All-Star backstop

TORONTO -- Yankees catcher Brian McCann snapped his 0-for-9 streak at the plate Tuesday night, and later hit his eighth double of the season in a 7-6 loss to the Blue Jays.

McCann is currently third among American League catchers in 2014 All-Star balloting with 1,344,076 votes, trailing the A's Derek Norris (second place, 1,486,850 votes) and the Orioles' Matt Wieters (1,852,770), who's currently injured.

McCann is a seven-time National League All-Star, and was an All-Star MVP in 2010 when he was with the Braves. The 30-year-old is hitting .223 with eight homers and 34 RBIs with the Yankees this season.

Fans can cast their votes for starters at MLB.com -- online or on a mobile device -- using the 2014 All-Star Game MLB.com Ballot Sponsored by Experian until Thursday, July 3, at 11:59 p.m. ET. The 2014 All-Star Game will be played at Target Field on Tuesday, July 15 on FOX.

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

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Beltran no longer throwing, will only DH for now

By Bryan Hoch and Jamie Ross / MLB.com | 6/25/2014 12:18 A.M. ET

TORONTO -- Carlos Beltran's return to the outfield won't be happening anytime soon after it was revealed on Tuesday that he experienced forearm tightness while throwing over the weekend.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said he was shutting down Beltran's return to the field, and indicated the 37-year-old would be locked into the designated hitter role for the time being.

"He's not throwing," Girardi said prior to Tuesday's game against the Blue Jays. "It kind of bothered him in a different place. A little bit, not a lot, but we just kind of shut it down."

Beltran hasn't played the outfield since he suffered a right elbow injury in May, which landed him on the 15-day disabled list. Since he was activated June 5, the veteran outfielder has only be used as a DH.

Beltran said the tightness in his forearm occurred on Sunday, and the pain is likely related to the elbow injury he sustained last month.

"It has to be compensation or something that I'm doing," Beltran said. "I was feeling pretty good [on the throwing program], but the forearm was really tight."

Girardi said the using Beltran exclusively as a DH handcuffs him from giving other Yankees position players the opportunity to slide into the role when they need a bit of rest. Players like Brett Gardner and Mark Teixeira could benefit from a day as a DH, he said.

"You'd like to be able to rotate the DH," said Girardi. "But right now, you can't."

O'Brien, Severino named to Futures Game roster

NEW YORK -- Impressive slugger Peter O'Brien and talented right-hander Luis Severino have been tabbed to represent the Yankees at this year's SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game, Major League Baseball announced on Tuesday.

O'Brien will play for the U.S. team and Severino will be in uniform for the World team in the July 13 contest at Target Field in Minnesota. The U.S. Team has won each of the last four Futures Games.

The 24-year-old O'Brien has been showcasing his raw power at Double-A Trenton, where he entered play on Tuesday with 15 home runs and 35 RBIs in 42 games, owning a .228 (37-for-162) batting average.

O'Brien has seen time at catcher, first base, right field and designated hitter this season, with the organization looking to find a place to keep his bat moving through the pipeline.

A second-round pick in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft, O'Brien batted .321 (36-for-112) with 10 homers and 19 RBIs in 30 games with Class A Advanced Tampa before being promoted in early May.

The 20-year-old Severino was 3-2 with a 2.79 ERA in 14 starts for Class A Charleston this season, hurling 67 2/3 innings with 62 hits, 24 runs (21 earned), 15 walks and 70 strikeouts.

A product of the Dominican Republic who signed with the Yankees organization in 2012, Severino is currently with Tampa, where he has made one start. He is ranked as the Yankees' No. 9 prospect by MLB.com.

The 16th annual SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game will take place at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 13, at Target Field in Minneapolis, and it can be seen live on MLB.com and MLB Network, and followed live on MLB.com's Gameday. In addition, XM Radio will broadcast play-by-play coverage of the event live on MLB Network Radio XM 89 and Sirius channel 209. MLB.com will also provide complete coverage before, during and after the game.

Fans can stay updated by following @MLBFutures on Twitter and can send and receive tweets to and from the U.S. and World Team dugouts during the game by tagging tweets with the hashtags #USDugout and #WorldDugout.

Major League Baseball, in conjunction with the Major League Baseball Scouting Bureau, MLB.com, Baseball America and the 30 Major League clubs, selected the 25-man rosters for each club. Each Major League organization is represented, and players from all full-season Minor Leagues were eligible to participate.

CC slated to make first rehab start on Tuesday

TORONTO -- Injured starter CC Sabathia had a productive outing in a simulated game on Tuesday, and he will make his first rehab start on Saturday with Class A Advanced Tampa.

The left-hander, who's been on the 15-day disabled list with a right knee injury for the past six weeks, threw two innings without experiencing any pain on Tuesday, Yankees manager Joe Girardi said.

"It's good, he'll start again on Saturday," said Girardi. "Forty to 45 pitches. ... Everything came out well. Obviously, you're curious to see how he feels tomorrow, but he felt it was successful."

Sabathia is one of three Yankees starters currently on a the disabled list. Michael Pineda is on the 60-day DL with a right shoulder injury, and could return in August. Ivan Nova, meanwhile, is out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in late August.

There's no exact timetable for the 33-year-old's return, but depending on team needs and how well his rehab progresses, there is a slight possibility Sabathia could return by the All-Star break, Girardi said.

"It's getting closer," he said. "You're not sure how many starts he needs to get built up, but once you start to get to that point, four or five starts, it could be a possibility. I wouldn't count on it [before the break], but who knows? Sometimes need has something to do with it."

McCann bidding to be two-league All-Star backstop

TORONTO -- Yankees catcher Brian McCann snapped his 0-for-9 streak at the plate Tuesday night, and later hit his eighth double of the season in a 7-6 loss to the Blue Jays.

McCann is currently third among American League catchers in 2014 All-Star balloting with 1,344,076 votes, trailing the A's Derek Norris (second place, 1,486,850 votes) and the Orioles' Matt Wieters (1,852,770), who's currently injured.

McCann is a seven-time National League All-Star, and was an All-Star MVP in 2010 when he was with the Braves. The 30-year-old is hitting .223 with eight homers and 34 RBIs with the Yankees this season.

Fans can cast their votes for starters at MLB.com -- online or on a mobile device -- using the 2014 All-Star Game MLB.com Ballot Sponsored by Experian until Thursday, July 3, at 11:59 p.m. ET. The 2014 All-Star Game will be played at Target Field on Tuesday, July 15 on FOX.

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

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Girardi: Injuries will be key to deciding AL East race

By Jamie Ross / MLB.com | 6/23/2014 10:59 P.M. ET

TORONTO -- Being in the midst of a 13-game stretch against division rivals, Yankees manager Joe Girardi said his club is well positioned as the gap between the Blue Jays and the rest of the pack in the American League East closes.

Entering Monday's series in Toronto, the Blue Jays held a 1 1/2-game lead over the Yankees and the Orioles as the season nears its halfway point.

The Yankees came into the series opener 15-11 against the division this season, and had won four of their last six against AL East teams, including a three-game sweep of the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium last week.

"Playing a team that's ahead of us in our division, you have a chance to make up ground," said Girardi. "And they think they've got a chance to put in some separation. It's important to both teams."

Girardi said he expects that, in the end, the winner of the division will be the team that best handles injuries.

The Yankees have endured their share of injury troubles this season, but have weathered those challenges relatively well.

The team's rotation has been hit particularity hard in that regard, with starters Ivan Nova, Michael Pineda and CC Sabathia all on the disabled list.

"I've often said that I believe this division might be won by the team that handles the injuries the best," said Girardi. "[The Blue Jays] have had some [injuries] pop up.

"We've had to deal with some things this year, too. And I think our guys have done a pretty good job. Asking guys to fill in holes that maybe they weren't expecting to. Giving us a chance to win almost every night. You lose 60 percent of your rotation, it's not easy to replace, and we're right there in the middle of it. So we're in a pretty good situation, in a sense."

After wrapping their three-game series in Toronto on Wednesday, the Yankees will host the Red Sox and Rays in back-to-back three-game series.

Girardi: Solarte's struggles may benefit rookie

TORONTO -- Kelly Johnson started at third base for the eighth time in the past 10 games Monday, as rookie Yangervis Solarte continues to struggle at the plate.

"[Johnson] has been swinging the bat pretty well, he's had some good at-bats the last week and a half, and we kind of went with it," said Yankees manager Joe Girardi. "But it doesn't mean it's always going to be like that."

Solarte had fallen into a deep slump after starting the season at a torrid pace. The 26-year-old entered Monday's series opener hittless in his last nine games, and batting .065 (2-for-31) in his last 10.

But the switch-hitter entered Monday's game to play defense late, and knocked an RBI single in his only at-bat in the Yankees' 8-3 loss.

Girardi said Solarte's struggles aren't concerning, and considering he's a rookie, having the experience of scuffling at the big league level can actually be beneficial.

"He's frustrated by it, but you have to keep it in perspective as a player, and understand that all good hitters go through it," Girardi said. "It's not the first time you've been through it, it's just at a different level and you'll come out of it if you keep putting in good at-bats."

Solarte's 30 RBIs are third among Major League rookies, trailing only the White Sox's Jose Abreu and the Astros' George Springer. The Venezuela native tore through the first two months of the season, hitting .299 with 26 RBIs and six homers through March-April and May.

Prospect O'Brien has two-homer night for Trenton

Catcher Peter O'Brien, the Yankees' No. 20 prospect, hit two home runs Monday, but it wasn't enough to lead Double-A Trenton to victory. The Thunder lost, 9-3, at Bowie.

O'Brien finished the game 2-for-4 with two runs and three RBIs. He now has hit 25 home runs this season, the third most in the Minor Leagues. He trails only Rangers No. 4 prospect Joey Gallo (27) and Cubs No. 2 prospect Kris Bryant (26).

Entering Monday's game, O'Brien hadn't homered in seven consecutive games, his longest drought of the season. He ended that streak in his second at-bat of the night, hitting a two-run shot off Bowie starter Tyler Wilson in the fourth inning. He added a solo blast in the eighth against Chris Petrini.

O'Brien began the season with Class A Advanced Tampa and hit .321/.353/.688 with 10 home runs in 30 games before getting promoted to Trenton. With the Thunder, he is hitting .228/.277/.543 with 15 home runs in 42 games.

Though O'Brien caught Monday, he has shared those duties with Yankees No. 1 prospect Gary Sanchez. It was O'Brien's 13th game behind the plate with Trenton, and he also has seen time at first base, right field and designated hitter.

Sanchez served as the designated hitter Monday and went 1-for-3 with a run and a walk. He is hitting .260/.329/.420 with eight home runs in 60 games this season.

-- Teddy Cahill

Bombers bits

• Mark Teixeira was back in the lineup for the Yankees at first base Monday after leaving Sunday's loss against the Orioles when he was hit in the left foot by a pitch.

"I checked with him when he got here," said Girardi. "I waited to put him in the lineup to make sure his foot was all right, and he said it felt pretty good. So that's encouraging."

• Sabathia is scheduled to throw 35 pitches on Tuesday, either in a bullpen session or a simulated game, said Girardi.

Jamie Ross is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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