Yankees’ second-base competition still wide open
Yankees infielder Gleyber Torres works out during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla., on Feb. 20, 2018. Credit: Newsday / Thomas A. Ferrara
LAKELAND, Fla. — Aaron Boone said the Yankees aren’t close to declaring a leader in the competition to be the starting second baseman. He also indicated no one had eliminated himself from contention. “I’ve been pleased with everyone we’ve had over there,” Boone said.
He mentioned the players who have been there the most this spring training — Danny Espinosa, Ronald Torreyes, Gleyber Torres and Tyler Wade.
Wade made a nice play to end Tuesday’s 7-2 win over the Tigers, taking a hit away from Victor Reyes. “Tyler Wade continues to be just an absolute spark whenever he plays,” Boone said. “That play at the end of the game was special.”
Torres went 1-for-3, making it two straight games with a hit, though the organization’s top prospect is off to a 3-for-19 start.
Boone called Torres “such a special player on both sides of the ball,” but added the 21-year-old perhaps was “wanting to do too much, especially offensively. And our reminder to him is we know what you’re capable of and who you are. Just go be that.”
Torreyes excelled as a utilityman last season and is likely to be in that role again. He started at third and made a terrific play on a grounder behind the bag. He also went 1-for-2, improving to 5-for-12. Espinosa, who did not make the trip but will play Wednesday in Port St. Lucie against the Mets, is 4-for-18.
Monty OK
Jordan Montgomery, the presumed fifth starter, struggled with his fastball command in his third outing, walking four, including three in the third inning. But the lefty, happy with a changeup that’s been a priority, allowed only one run and two hits over 3 2⁄3 innings. Montgomery struck out four, giving him 11 in 8 2⁄3 innings, and lowered his ERA to 1.04.
“What was exciting about Monty was he definitely didn’t have his good stuff, but he pieced it together,” Boone said.
