Live Updates: New York Yankees Spring Training Opener vs. Blue Jays

Author:
Max Goodman
Updated:
Feb 28, 2021 3:39 PM EST
Original:
Feb 28, 2021

TAMPA— After a long winter and weeks of workouts at camp, the Yankees will take the field for the first time this spring on Sunday. New York hosts the Toronto Blue Jays at George M. Steinbrenner Field to open their slate of Grapefruit League games.

As we draw closer to first pitch, here's a look at both starting lineups and what to expect this afternoon:

New York Yankees

DJ LeMahieu 2B

Aaron Judge RF

Gleyber Torres SS

Luke Voit 1B

Gary Sánchez DH

Clint Frazier LF

Miguel Andújar 3B

Robinson Chirinos C

Mike Tauchman CF

Michael King SP

It's no surprise most of the regulars are starting on Sunday in pinstripes. Yankees manager Aaron Boone mentioned a few days ago he's planning on working those position players in early and often this spring.

Boone also said he's holding back Brett Gardner and Giancarlo Stanton, so don't be alarmed that they won't be playing on Sunday. Gardner was taking fly balls during batting practice this morning, so it's not like he's out of commission.

After Michael King, here are the other pitchers that'll likely take the mound against Toronto, per Boone:

Toronto Blue Jays

Cavan Biggio 3B

Marcus Semien 2B

Bo Bichette SS

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. LF

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 1B

Rowdy Tellez DH

Danny Jansen C

Josh Palacios RF

Jonathan Davis CF

Anthony Kay SP

New York gets an early taste of Toronto's dangerous trio of phenoms: Biggio, Bichette and Guerrero. Although George Springer isn't in the lineup, the Yankees will see Marcus Semien in a Blue Jays uniform for the first time.

To get you set for game time, here's some related reading with everything from observations at Yankees camp to how excited the Bombers are to welcome fans back to the ballpark:

We're underway in Tampa! Here's a look at the Yankees' starting lineup being introduced and moments later, the Yankees taking the field.

LIVE UPDATES

First inning

Michael King ran into some trouble in the top of the first, allowing a two-run double off the bat of Rowdy Tellez with two men out. Toronto jumps in front to a 2-0 lead with the Yanks coming to bat.

Second inning

King gives up another run in his second inning of work as Cavan Biggio pounds an RBI double into the left-center field gap. The right-hander's pitch count is getting pretty high now, odds are he's done for the day.

King's final line isn't pretty. Two innings, three runs, three hits, two walks and two hit batters. It's early, though (obviously). He can still have a big role on this team come Opening Day

Third inning

The Yankees don't have a hit through three innings. Robinson Chirinos and Clint Frazier hit the ball hard, but New York's offense has done nothing so far. The starters will likely get one more at-bat before some reserves enter the game.

Fourth inning

It's 5-0 Blue Jays. Single just dropped in front of Clint Frazier, who couldn't quite throw the runner out at home. Not the best outing for the Bombers so far, but hey, it's spring training.

Now, the Yankees are on the board. After a DJ LeMahieu leadoff single, Gleyber Torres doubled down the left field line. Then, Luke Voit reached on an error to push the first run of the spring across.

Fifth inning

Catcher Rob Brantly and outfielder Mike Tauchman hit back-to-back home runs to cut the deficit to one! Tauchman's solo shot nearly left the stadium, soaring onto the overhang down the right-field line.

Seventh inning

Toronto added one more run on a solo home run and the Yankees went down in order in the bottom half. Since the Yankees are playing seven-inning games early on this spring, that'll do it. One game in the books.

FINAL: Blue Jays 6, Yankees 4

New York hosts the Detroit Tigers on Monday afternoon, same time and same place. Gerrit Cole is scheduled to start with Jameson Taillon coming on in relief.

Follow Max Goodman on Twitter (@MaxTGoodman), on Facebook (also @MaxTGoodman), be sure to bookmark Inside The Pinstripes and check back daily for news, analysis and more.