Aaron Boone likes what he sees from a lineup the New York Yankees manager says will closely resemble what the club fields on opening day. New star right fielder Juan Soto hit his fourth homer of spring training and catcher Jose Trevino went deep in his spring debut coming off a calf injury in a 9-8 victory over Atlanta.
New York Yankees’ Juan Soto celebrates after hitting a home run in the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Atlanta Braves Sunday, March 10, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. New York Yankees center fielder Aaron Judge signs autographs for fans before a spring training baseball game against the Atlanta Braves Sunday, March 10, 2024, in Tampa, Fla.
The primary missing piece was shortstop Anthony Volpe, who is having another strong spring after playing his way into the opening day lineup in Florida last year and having a solid rookie season. One through six against the Braves matched what New York has done when regulars have played this spring: third baseman DJ LeMahieu, Soto, center fielder
“We get these guys out there consistently, we should have an offense that has a chance to be really, really good,” Boone said. “It’s a talented group of hitters, we just have to keep them healthy and going. If we do that, I do feel we’re going to score a lot.” The Yankees added Soto in an offseason trade with San Diego, putting a three-time All-Star who is just 25 in front of the 2022 AL MVP in Judge.Mookie Betts plays 6 innings at shortstop as Dodgers deal with injuries to pitchers“So dynamic,” Judge said of Soto. “Hits the ball all over the field, works a walk, hits for power. It just elevates everybody’s game.”Judge missed 42 games last year after tearing a ligament in his right big toe when he crashed into the right-field fence at Dodger Stadium.