SNY | Alex Smith: Cam Schlittler is dealing with inflammation in his mid-back, manager Aaron Boone told reporters Thursday. The issue is considered minor and, after taking a few days off the mound, the right-hander is expected to return to his throwing program. “Zero, I would say,” Schlittler said of his chances of starting the season on the IL. “It’s early and I’ve been dealing with this for a little while, so I just want to make sure I’m up to speed and ready for Opening Day and this week in San Francisco.”
The starter also clarified that there was a minor latitude issue he was facing. With Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón and Clarke Schmidt all expected to start the season on the board, Schlittler figures to play a prominent role in the Yankees’ rotation to start the season.
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SNY | Philip Martinez: The Yankees signed right-hander Rafael Montero to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. He will earn a salary of $1.85 million if he reaches the majors, according to Joel Sherman. The reliever, 35, struggled in the first half with the Astros and Braves, but had a more encouraging run with the Tigers down the stretch, reaching a 2.86 ERA in 20 appearances. A 10-year veteran and 2022 World Series champion with Houston, Montero became a starter for the Mets in the mid-2010s before finding his way into a bullpen role elsewhere.
New York Post | Dylan Svoboda: The Yankees considered pursuing a trade for former Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos earlier this offseason, but were dissuaded by several people who gave him mixed reviews, according to Jon Heyman. It’s unclear exactly who these criticisms came from or what their nature was, although the veteran endured some controversy last season while on the bench of Phillies manager (and former longtime Yankees coach) Rob Thomson for an “inappropriate comment” and bring a beer to the Phillies dugout after being expelled from mid-June for defense. New York also reportedly considered Austin Slater, Randal Grichuk and Ty France to add right-handed depth before re-signing Paul Goldschmidt. Castellanos was released by Philadelphia on Thursday and could be in play for several teams, according to Heyman.
NJ.com | Randy Miller: The Yankees plan to give Giancarlo Stanton regular rest as he enters his age-36 season, according to Aaron Boone. “Obviously the biggest thing with G is keeping him healthy,” the Yankees manager said. “In a perfect world we won’t have any interruptions due to injury or anything, but I want to protect him. Getting into that role where you’re playing three out of four, four out of five, I think it’s a good thing for him.”
The DH was exceptionally productive last season when healthy, but of course struggled to stay on the field during his tenure in New York, landing on the IL nine times in eight seasons. Boone also didn’t rule out the veteran playing the outfield this year — as he did late last year to keep his bat in the lineup with Aaron Judge briefly limited to DH duty — noting that “the most important thing is to keep him available so that when things happen, we’re able to get him out if we have to.”
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MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: Max Fried used his implosion in Game 2 of the ALDS as fuel for what will be his second season in pinstripes. “Every time I go to the gym or pick up a ball, anything to do with baseball, it’s definitely a motivator,” the starter said. “You always want to improve, learn from your mistakes and make sure you don’t make the same mistakes again. I just try to remember that feeling.”
Fried was an All-Star in his Yankees debut and pitched 6.1 scoreless innings against the Red Sox in the Wild Card Series, but was chased after allowing seven runs in three innings against Toronto in the following series.
