All about the brace: CC gets assist in 'pen session

TAMPA, Fla. -- CC Sabathia is continuing to make progress as he returns from right knee surgery, and the Yankees left-hander plans to attack his workload with the assistance of a brace that has been hidden underneath his billowing pinstriped pants.

Sabathia threw a 41-pitch bullpen session on Friday morning at George M. Steinbrenner Field, his third time on the mound this spring. After a long winter of rehab and several platelet-rich plasma injections, Sabathia said that he is able to put his focus into his pitches.

"I just put the brace on. It's nothing out of the ordinary," Sabathia said.

The Yanks are talking about playing an intrasquad scrimmage on Sunday, and they will have an abbreviated workout day Monday before playing their first Spring Training game on Tuesday against the Phillies in Clearwater, Fla.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that he plans to announce the team's first starters on Saturday morning, but Sabathia is not expected to be among them.

"We're taking it slow with him, knowing that we don't really think that he's behind and he's got plenty of time," Girardi said. "We're not rushing it because of his knee, and we want to take it step by step."

CC tosses from the mound in ST

Sabathia works on mechanics while Beltran looks on

CC Sabathia works on his mechanics in the Yankees' camp for the first time since surgery on his right knee while Carlos Beltran looks on

Girardi said that he hasn't talked to the team's trainers about the brace, but he has no issue with Sabathia using it during the season. The Yanks are hopeful that whatever Sabathia does, it will allow him to remain healthy and take the ball regularly.

"I've said all along, you're really not going to know until we get into the season and he's going every fifth day, how his leg is going to do," Girardi said. "I've said all along, it's a concern of mine.

"The fact that he's wearing a brace or not wearing a brace doesn't concern me anymore. If [trainers] feel that he'll stay healthier wearing the brace, then I would tell him, wear the brace."

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

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Backup infielder Ryan sidelined with mid-back strain

TAMPA, Fla. -- The exasperating part for Brendan Ryan, as he discussed the mid-back strain that will keep him off the field for about five days, is that he was injured while doing an exercise that was really just for show.

Ryan said that he sustained the strain while performing 45-pound bicep curls in advance of camp. He mentioned the lingering soreness during his physical exam this week, and a precautionary MRI ordered by Dr. Daniel Murphy on Thursday revealed the strain.

"Of all the things, I'm doing bicep curls. How does that happen?" Ryan said. "I don't know. I know that I never sit down when I do them, and it's an eye-wash exercise anyway. Nonetheless, I sat down to do it, and there we go. Kind of deja vu, it seems like, but not nearly what last year was."

Ryan was sidelined for most of last spring with a bulging disc in his neck. The slick-fielding infielder, who will turn 33 on March 26, played in 49 games for the Yankees last season, hitting .167 with no home runs.

"I feel immune to nothing," Ryan said. "The weight room just doesn't seem to work out for me. I don't know what I'm doing in there in the first place, you know? What am I going to go, from hitting two homers to four?"

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

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A-Rod gets reps at first base, preps for transition

"It was fun. Any time I'm on the field, I'm just happy," Rodriguez said. "But I've got a good tutor in Tex."

Rodriguez said that he grew up watching Keith Hernandez play All-Star defense for the Mets, and he noted that he has been fortunate to play alongside excellent first basemen like Teixeira and John Olerud. He isn't expecting to list himself among that company any time soon.

Outlook: Teixeira, 1B, NYY

Outlook: Teixeira has power, low average when healthy

Mark Teixeira recorded 22 homers in 2014, but only hit .216 and needs to avoid spending significant time on the DL again this year

"I'm going to do the best I can, so I don't know," Rodriguez said. "Because I've never done it, we'll keep talking throughout."

Though Rodriguez was receptive to manager Joe Girardi's suggestion, saying that he is game for "whatever Joe needs," he acknowledged that there is a chance he will slip up from time to time.

"I think he's trying to learn," Girardi said. "I think he was paying attention and trying to learn. He's never taken balls over there, he's never seen what a bunt defense looks like from over there, and that's going to take some time."

Eric Chavez made a similar transition late in his career, playing 13 games at first base for the Yankees in 2011-12. Now a special assistant to general manager Brian Cashman, Chavez said that his biggest difficulty was in adjusting to the different leather.

"I never got comfortable with the first base glove," Chavez said. "For some reason, it kind of threw my timing off, but he's so athletic. If you can play shortstop, you can play any position on the field. As long as he's comfortable with that glove, I don't see it being any problem whatsoever."

Rodriguez's first baseman's glove is still being broken in -- it was briefly misplaced on Friday, only to be discovered atop another player's locker -- but scooping probably won't be his biggest challenge. Chavez said that there are mental demands that can be ironed out by repetition.

"There'd be some times where the ball would be hit and you'd be like, 'Oh, I've got to get to first,'" Chavez said. "You don't want to be showing up late. You've got to get there early and give them a good target.

"There were a few times where there was a runner on first and I forgot to go and cover. I forget who the opposing coach was, but he helped me out. He was like, 'Hey, psst, there's a runner on first.' It's just new. You need to get those reps."

Rodriguez's transition could be eased by the fact that he already made one major position change successfully in his career, leaving shortstop for third base when he was acquired by the Yankees in 2004.

"Everything was hard about that," Rodriguez said. "That was really difficult. I wasn't very good at the beginning, but Graig [Nettles] helped out a lot, I talked to [Robin] Ventura and just did tons of early work."

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

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Surveying full spring squad, Cashman expresses optimism

TAMPA, Fla. -- After Brian Cashman watched the full squad of Yankees players assemble Thursday, the veteran general manager referred to his roster as a "potpourri" of bounce-back candidates and young newcomers, voicing hope that they will fit together for a run at a championship.

"I know this year is different, I guess, because we have some youth involved now, too -- but it marks the baseball season," Cashman said. "It's true of every camp.

"For the most part, I think you can look at every team and they need certain things, either guys to bounce back from injury, some young guys to step up, some of the new guys acquired to be what they had been. That seems to be true in every ballpark."

The Yankees have no shortage of questions coming into camp. Most prominently, starters Masahiro Tanaka, CC Sabathia and Michael Pineda all had their 2014 seasons impacted by injuries, and the Yanks must bank that Carlos Beltran, Brian McCann and Mark Teixeira can show more muscle at the plate.

The Yanks have spots in the bullpen to iron out, including making a choice between Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller as the club's fourth closer in four seasons. Didi Gregorius is replacing Derek Jeter at shortstop and it may take until the end of Spring Training to know exactly what Alex Rodriguez can provide.

"We have a lot of areas that we'll be focusing on as the season plays out, and you can't count on them in all cases answering positive," Cashman said. "But in most cases, if those declare themselves as positives, we have a chance to be a really good team and take a run at the title. But we've just got to wait and play it out."

On Wednesday, Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner told the New York Post that it would be "horrible" if the team missed the playoffs for a third straight season, and that dismissals and restructuring would be on the table if that occurred.

"I hope we don't miss the playoffs," Cashman said. "We're going to give it our best shot to be the last team standing. That's what our intention is every year."

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

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Girardi, Yankees adjusting to life without Jeter

TAMPA, Fla. -- As the Yankees went through their drills Thursday, Joe Girardi wandered around the lip of the outfield grass, exchanging pleasantries with the infielders. When he reached the shortstop position, he had to remember why Derek Jeter was absent.

"You get used to seeing guys out there on the field, it's a little abnormal when they're not out there," Girardi said. "It was a little strange not seeing Derek out there today. We looked and we were doing the mass infield and he wasn't there. It was kind of strange to me."

Jeter last spring announced that he would make 2014 his final big league season. Though he makes his permanent home just a 20-minute drive from the Yankees' spring complex, his former teammates expect Jeter to take a full year off before visiting the clubhouse.

"We're going to miss him once we get to New York and there's only 25 guys in that locker room," Mark Teixeira said. "I think that's when we're going to miss him the most, is when the season starts and Derek is not on that first flight and on the field with us."

Change is in the air this spring. With Jeter's No. 2 out of circulation and destined for Monument Park, the lowest uniform number on the field is now Brett Gardner's No. 11.

The spring rosters listing each uniform number are required reading -- Girardi remarked that one of the Yanks' prominent hitting groups included four players who weren't with the club last spring: Stephen Drew, Didi Gregorius, Chase Headley and Garrett Jones.

"In a sense, it's the first day in a new school for a lot of guys, because there are so many new faces," Girardi said.

Jeter's retirement marked the ending of the "Core Four" era, though they're never too far away. Mariano Rivera is in camp as a guest instructor and it has been rumored that Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada plan to swing by this spring.

"I remember saying that Jorgie was kind of the first one; you were used to seeing him every day with the catchers, and then you didn't see him," Girardi said. "It's kind of strange, but it happens. It's life. It's what happens in the game, everyone retires, the game goes on, and it's a little strange in the beginning."

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

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Sterling hosts fundraiser for families displaced by NJ fire

There was one woman proud to show him the bottle opener that also played recordings of his famous calls, another smiling giddily while explaining that she grew up in Edgewater listening to his broadcasts. From the selfies to the autographs to the old-fashioned handshakes, constant requests from the several hundred in attendance made it difficult for Sterling to maneuver through the restaurant in anything resembling an efficient manner.

"It says not only that he has a good heart, but he's really popular. People love John Sterling. He's a legend," said David Cone, the YES Network analyst who was one of the handful of former Yankees present. "When he gets behind an event like this, I said yes right away because of him."

Joining Cone was a trio of New York All-Stars from yesteryear -- Bucky Dent, Willie Randolph and Roy White -- as well as former New York (Football) Giants Joe Morris and Jay Alford and Sterling's radio partner, Suzyn Waldman.

Together they raised upward of $10,000, according to Elaine Apfelbaum, a family friend of the Sterlings who organized the event. Aside from the tickets to get through the door, the money came from the silent and live auctions, plus a $5,000 donation from the Yankees.

"It's really an overwhelming turnout," Apfelbaum said.

The proceeds will go to Edgewater Strong, a disaster relief fund created in the aftermath of the January fire that displaced approximately 1,000 people, including Sterling. He lost everything except the 2009 World Series ring he happened to be wearing that day.

Most of the families seem to be doing OK, according to Edgewater Mayor Michael McPartland, all things considered.

"I haven't had any major complaints other than I know the families want to get in there and try to salvage what they can," McPartland said. "We've had the place quarantined basically, because it's dangerous for anyone to go in there and try to walk on any of that rubble.

"When they finally do demolish the rest of the place, they're going to somehow let people try to get some of their stuff back."

Cone -- who pretty steadily had the longest autograph line of the night -- met some of the affected families, which made Thursday night's cause all too real.

"The stories are all very similar. It's about thankfulness that nobody got hurt, first and foremost," Cone said. "But your whole life is lost, all your memorabilia, your pictures, your family photos -- little things you don't think a lot about but really mean a lot."

Sterling was able to replace most of his material belongings, but he knows some of his neighbors aren't as lucky. So he sprung into action.

"Once the fire hits and you're out on the street with the clothes on your back, it's a very scary feeling. That's why we're having this," Sterling said. "This [fundraiser] is as gratifying as anything I've been involved in. Maybe it'll help in some small way. I hope so."

Tim Healey is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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A-Rod works out at camp, chats with Headley

"I think it's going to be a process," Rodriguez said. "I think for me, the most important thing is to be patient. It's going to take at least three to four weeks to start getting a good read on everything, so patience is key."

Didi Gregorius and Garrett Jones were also among the teammates on the diamond at the Himes Avenue facility Tuesday, and it marked the first in-person conversation for Rodriguez and Headley following their telephone chat earlier this month.

"It was great," Rodriguez said. "Like I said yesterday, he's an excellent addition to our team. He had some questions; all four or five guys had questions. He's interested in learning, I'm interested in learning, too. Anytime we can have baseball dialogue, that's my wheelhouse."

A-Rod reports to Yankees camp

A-Rod reports to Yankees Spring Training early

After arriving early for Spring Training, Alex Rodriguez discusses his health and his focus on winning a roster spot

The Yankees have made it clear that they envision Headley as their starting third baseman, but Rodriguez is hoping to prove that he can still help out at the hot corner. Manager Joe Girardi also plans to speak to Rodriguez about trying first base before Grapefruit League games begin.

"I'll talk to him about taking some grounders over there, just to be prepared if I need to give a guy a day off or however we chose to do it," Girardi said. "But yeah, I'm going to talk to him about it and see how comfortable it is."

Headley said that there was little discussion with club officials about Rodriguez's return while he worked on his four-year, $52 million deal with the Yankees, and he does not feel that having Rodriguez back in the clubhouse will create an awkward situation for him.

"I haven't lost any sleep about it or worried about it," Headley said. "As a player, you experience different things in your career, and I've been around long enough that there's been different sets of circumstances that I've dealt with. This is just another one. As far as a teammate, I expect him to be great."

Wednesday marks the official report day for Yankees position players, and their first workout will be held on Thursday. Rodriguez will finish his physical at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Wednesday, having only been seen by the team's internist and orthopedist on Monday.

Rodriguez said that he looks forward to getting to know some other new faces on the team, but he dodged a question about the idea of filling a leadership void left by Derek Jeter's retirement.

"First, no one can replace the captain," Rodriguez said. "I know I'm going to miss him tremendously. I've been around a long time and I've seen a lot of things. If guys want to ask questions, I love talking baseball, and you guys know that better than anyone. I love the game and I love to talk it. Whoever needs my help, I'm available."

Rodriguez said that his goal is to be a productive right-handed hitter this season and that he should be able to help the Yankees without the assistance of performance-enhancing drugs.

"I think I'll be fine, yeah," Rodriguez said. "Only time will tell."

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

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Capuano ready to earn one of Yanks' 5 spots

TAMPA, Fla. -- Two November weeks spent touring Japan with a team of Major League All-Stars planted a seed in Chris Capuano's mind. As he absorbed that rich culture, the veteran left-hander entertained the idea of a continental swap in his baseball future.

"The quality of baseball is great, the people I have found to be friendly. I love the food, the cities," Capuano said. "There's a lot of attractive things about it. But in the end, if you've got a good opportunity here -- especially with the New York Yankees -- that's got to come first."

Capuano agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal with the Yankees in December, returning to the organization after he went 2-3 with a 4.25 ERA in 12 second-half starts. The 36-year-old is being looked at as a strong contender to pitch in the back end of manager Joe Girardi's rotation this year.

"I think they've shown that the best five guys are going to start," Capuano said. "That's a great feeling to be able to come in and try to earn that spot and be one of those best five coming out of spring."

Capuano started last year in a relief role with the Red Sox, logging a 4.55 ERA in 28 appearances, and so that versatility is considered a plus. Capuano acknowledged that he needs to do a better job of getting left-handers out; they batted .321 (34-for-106) with a .942 OPS against him in 2014.

"Working with Larry Rothschild, I like the way he goes about it," Capuano said. "He has a great rapport with his pitchers. He has a very intelligent way of keeping things simple for us when it comes to game plans and things that we're working on. I just really enjoyed the staff and the environment."

The Yankees project to start the year with Masahiro Tanaka, Michael Pineda, CC Sabathia and Nathan Eovaldi in the rotation, with Ivan Nova due to return from Tommy John surgery in May or June. Capuano said that he is not concerned about the possibility of being the odd man out later in the year.

"I've never really worried about that too much," Capuano said. "For me, my focus is really on my day to day and getting myself ready to pitch, ready for a Major League season. I feel like if I'm doing the job and having success and helping the team out, then the opportunities will be there."

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

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Bailey hoping to make Yankees' investment pay off

Tampa, Fla. -- The Yankees have preached patience with Andrew Bailey, hoping that the former All-Star closer will be able to take advantage of their facilities and pay big dividends down the line. That time may be quickly approaching.

Bailey has been throwing at the Yankees' complex for nearly a month and will soon advance to facing live hitters. Nearly all the way back from July 2013 surgery to repair a torn labrum and shoulder capsule, Bailey believes he can crack the team's Opening Day roster.

"Everything feels great," Bailey said. "I'm with the team and doing everything as I would normally and if I need a little extra work here or there, that's fine, too. I'm here to compete and earn a spot."

Bailey threw 30 pitches on Tuesday, firing fastballs, curveballs and cutters while drawing the attention of manager Joe Girardi and pitching coordinator Gil Patterson. Bailey has recorded 89 saves over his five big league seasons, including 51 during back-to-back All-Star campaigns with the A's in 2009-10.

"Compared to where he was last year to where he is, there's significant improvement," Girardi said. "I don't know exactly what we'll see as far as games, and his bullpens are a little more spread out than some of the other relievers, but that's on purpose right now. Our hope is that we can catch him up and keep him healthy."

Bailey last pitched in the Majors with the Red Sox in 2013, posting a 3.77 ERA in 30 appearances while finishing 17 games. The Yankees signed Bailey to a Minor League contract in February 2014, with general manager Brian Cashman saying at the time that it was more of an investment toward the '15 season.

By mid-September, Bailey had appeared in simulated games but setbacks prevented him from getting into Minor League games, prompting the Yankees to shut him down. The Yanks declined a 2015 option on Bailey's contract, but he quickly re-signed, saying he was not tempted to look elsewhere.

"Knowing the long shot of me potentially pitching last year and having the respect to sign me, knowing what I went through, I give them a lot of credit," Bailey said. "It's awesome they gave me the shot, and I'm looking forward to a healthy season."

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

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Beltran eager to get back to form in pinstripes

Beltran, who turns 38 in April, said that he spent most of the offseason commuting to Yankee Stadium for rehab following a September procedure that removed a painful bone spur and three loose pieces from his right elbow.

That injury kept Beltran from swinging the bat with authority and it limited him to designated hitter duty for much of 2014, a season in which he batted .233 with 15 homers and 49 RBIs in 109 games. Beltran said that he is currently throwing at distances of 150 feet and he feels ready to serve as an everyday right fielder.

"I trained hard, I did everything that I did in the past," Beltran said. "I want to be out there, no doubt."

The Yankees are counting on more production from the heart of their lineup, coming off a campaign in which they scored the third-fewest runs in the American League. Beltran said that he, Mark Teixeira and Brian McCann should post better numbers in 2015.

"I think we're going to be better than last year, no doubt about it," Beltran said. "Tex was dealing with his wrist still and it was McCann's first year in the league. He'll be more comfortable, second year. I think it's going to be better. There's no reason why it shouldn't be better if the health is there."

Yet, Beltran seems to have some doubts about the chances of him reprising his impressive stat lines from 2012 and '13, with the Cardinals, when he averaged 28 homers and 90 RBIs with an .836 OPS.

"Go back to that? I don't know," Beltran said. "That was three years [ago], and I'm three years older. Physically, I feel fine. I just want to be healthy. That's all, man. If I'm healthy, I have a lot of confidence in myself."

Beltran also touched upon the return of Alex Rodriguez, whose role on the team is to be determined. Beltran said that he could see Rodriguez enjoying a bounce-back year.

"Knowing a little bit about him, I think he's a guy that has a lot of pride for what he does," Beltran said. "I believe that he will show up in shape, that he wants to be out there and he wants to prove himself, too. If he is healthy, I do believe he can provide for the team."

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

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A-Rod a distraction? Girardi sees no reason

Rodriguez returned to the Yankees on Monday after a season-long suspension for the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Before he admitted this usage, he had insisted upon his innocence and sued Major League Baseball, the players union and one of the Yankees' doctors.

More recently, Rodriguez has issued a series of apologies, including one to the Yankees, and a handwritten apology to fans. One way or another, his Spring Training homecoming would be news. And so it was on Monday.

Rodriguez had a physical exam at the ballpark, then went to the nearby Yankees Minor League complex for an informal workout. After his physical, a number of reporters waited for him in a corridor through which he would exit the ballpark. Rodriguez smiled and greeted a few reporters by name, but kept walking rapidly when asked if he would stop and talk.

More reporters waited for Rodriguez outside the Minor League complex, where, after signing autographs for fans, he answered questions. In his answers, Rodriguez often appeared penitent.

"No mistake that I've made has any good answer or a justification," he said. "It's unexplainable and that's on me. I've dug a big hole for myself and paid a price. I'm fortunate for a lot of people -- especially the Commissioner's Office, the players union and the Yankees -- to give me the opportunity to play the game that I love."

With the large group of reporters on the Rodriguez watch, a relatively small group of reporters were on hand in the Yankees' clubhouse for manager Joe Girardi's daily media session.

Would A-Rod be a distraction for the Yankees? Noting the small reportorial crowd in his office Girardi replied with a smile: "He's already making my life easier, look at it."

Girardi made the point that being the Yankees and being in New York, there always seemed to be issues floating around the club. The distraction question then made a comeback and Girardi measured it seriously this time.

"People talk about that a lot," the manager said. "I think the only way it becomes a distraction is if we allow it to, if we allow our work not to be the No. 1 priority. Some guys will be asked a few more questions for a little bit. If it wasn't about that, it might be about something else. So as I said, I think our guys will handle it well.

"There's enough leadership here that our guys will handle this professionally, make sure they're prepared to play."

That expectation is realistic. And the A-Rod who returns to the Yankees is not the transcendent superstar he once was. He will turn 40 in July. He will be playing on two surgically repaired hips. He will not be using PEDs, at least according to what he said Monday.

There is little reason to suggest that Rodriguez will produce anything like he did in his MVP seasons of 2003, 2005 and 2007. The Yankees have re-signed third baseman Chase Headley, thus making A-Rod essentially a DH. And Girardi has said that Rodriguez will have to prove himself to gain playing time.

The interpersonal aspects of his return are impossible to predict, although questions on the topic inevitably will be asked.

Had Girardi received one of A-Rod's apologies?

"As far as apologies go, I think the most important thing is for it to be sincere," Girardi said. "You want it to come from the player, where he makes the decision who and who not to apologize to. So we have not had a face-to-face talk yet. And like I said, I'll let him make that decision on what he wants to do."

Would a clear-the-air session with his Yankees teammates be advisable?

"It has to come from his heart," Girardi said. "I'll allow him to do what he feels is necessary."

Was there anything that the manager particularly wanted to hear from Rodriguez?

"That he's healthy and he's ready to play and ready to contribute," Girardi said with a smile. "That's what you want to hear and you want to see him be able to do that. That's the big thing. We just go from there."

So despite the pervasive nature of the "distraction" theme, there is no automatic outcome involved in the return of Alex Rodriguez to the Yankees. There are a lot of veterans, there are a lot of players familiar with playing in New York for the Yankees. They know what they need to do to get ready for the season. OK, the prodigal son has returned. Very interesting, but still no reason to become distracted.

After a series of questions dealing only with A-Rod, Girardi was asked if the return of Rodriguez had created a ripple in the clubhouse.

"No, not in the clubhouse," Girardi said. "The only ripple it made was in this room, right now."

Mike Bauman is a national columnist for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Yankees get up-close look at Miller in bullpen

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Yankees got their first up-close look at Andrew Miller on Monday morning as the lefty reliever threw his first Spring Training bullpen session at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

In fact, it's hard to get a closer look than the one pitching coach Larry Rothschild did as he stood in the batter's box against Miller.

"It took courage for him to stand up there like that. For me, that's a good thing," Miller said afterward. "Throwing early in the morning with your new pitching coach standing in -- if you can survive that, it's a good way to work your way into the season. I was really happy [with] the way I threw."

Yankees manager Joe Girardi came away impressed after watching Miller throw about 25 pitches.

"Very good. I don't think Larry had a shot at hitting him," Girardi said. "Everything as a manager that you want to see -- and everything that I didn't like when we had to face him."

Signed to a four-year, $36 million contract this offseason, Miller is expected to compete with right-hander Dellin Betances to be the Yankees' closer. Girardi suggested on Sunday that the two shutdown setup men could even share the job.

Miller admitted it would be nice to have a role set in stone, comparing the closer's job to that of a starting pitcher in the sense that both know what's expected of them on a daily basis. But Miller said he didn't enter this spring with a specific role in mind.

"Honestly, my goal is not to show Joe that I can close. It's to show Joe that I can get an out whenever they need it," Miller said. "I've never been a closer. I've never had that set ninth-inning role. So I can't say that I want that or need that or anything, because I haven't had it."

Like Betances, Miller only has one career save to his name, and it came last season. But Miller has quickly developed into one of the most dominant relievers in baseball, something he proved last year with a 2.02 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 62 1/3 innings for the Red Sox and Orioles.

"I've shown that I can pitch in big situations. I proved a lot to myself personally last year down the stretch," Miller said. "I think playoff games and some of the situations I came in are probably more stressful than saving a game in May, I don't know. But I feel I've really improved. I've shown that left-handers, right-handers, speed guys, slap guys, power hitters -- I'm finding a way to get them all out on a pretty consistent basis, and that's my job as I see it right now."

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

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Developing secondary pitches is Eovaldi's spring goal

"That's one of the big issues I've had, is not being able to finish the batters and trying to do too much," Eovaldi said. "I've got to have better consistency of the offspeed pitches. I think that split is going to help out a lot."

Despite a fastball that ranked fourth in velocity (95.7 mph) among qualified big league starters last year, according to FanGraphs.com, Eovaldi permitted a National League-leading 223 hits with just 142 strikeouts in 199 2/3 innings.

Eovaldi completed the season with a 6-14 record and a 4.37 ERA, and he was swapped to New York in a five-player December deal. Yankees executives are intrigued by his potential, as well as the durability he has already shown in eating innings.

"We've talked about developing his repertoire and having him establish confidence in all his pitches in all the counts," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "It's one thing to have three or four pitches, but it's another thing to have the confidence to throw them at any time."

Outlook: Eovaldi, SP, NYY

Outlook: Eovaldi hopes for better luck in 2015

Nathan Eovaldi threw a career-high in innings last year and could put up strong numbers in the Bronx if he can increase his strikeout rate

The 25-year-old Eovaldi said that he and Rothschild have been working on a tendency to rush to the plate, as well as that splitter, which he picked up from Marlins pitching coach Chuck Hernandez and showcased during his last two starts with Miami.

Eovaldi said that his high hit total from last season was largely due to missing spots and falling behind in counts with his offspeed pitches, then having to rely on his fastball to get back in the count.

"It's just getting ahead, pitching efficiently," Eovaldi said. "You don't want to go out there and [throw] curveball, curveball, curveball, you're 3-0. You've got to be able to get back in the count, stay ahead, command the count."

Yankees catcher Brian McCann spent part of the winter reviewing video of Eovaldi's starts, and he believes the team is looking at someone who will fit at the top of a big league rotation in future years.

"His ceiling is as high as it can be," McCann said. "You throw 96 mph and you're an uncomfortable at-bat. Then you start learning the ins and outs of pitching, what you can and can't do in certain situations, and when to elevate, when not to elevate, when to bounce a slider. You learn those things, with his stuff, I think the sky is the limit."

Eovaldi is looking forward to working with McCann, and he said that he is "super excited" to take on those levels of expectations.

"The Yankees are rebuilding in a way; a lot of guys are leaving, and we're starting to get a lot more of the younger guys coming in here too," Eovaldi said. "With the Marlins last year, that whole group was young. It's exciting to be part of the Yankees."

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

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Girardi: Yankees could potentially use co-closers

Betances and Miller were both elite setup men last season, with Betances starring in the Bronx and Miller locking down leads for the Red Sox and Orioles. The Yanks believe they both have the stuff to close effectively, but that hasn't been proven yet, as each hurler owns just one career save.

Hypothetically, the Yankees could go into the year looking to matchups when deciding how best to deploy Betances and Miller. That task would be made easier by the fact that both pitchers have been successful in getting left-handed and right-handed batters out.

Outlook: Miller, RP, NYY

Outlook: Miller could factor into saves mix in 2015

Andrew Miller notched career bests in ERA and WHIP in 2014 and should be a strikeout machine and get some saves chances in 2015

"It would not be my first choice, but it's something you could definitely think about," Girardi said. "If you had in the eighth [inning] right-left-right, and then in the ninth, left-right-left, I don't know. I've got to see where they both are at the end of Spring Training and how interchangeable they are, and then we'll make a decision, but I would like to have it ironed out before we leave."

Betances and Miller have both said that they are not concerned with the battle to determine who is assigned to handle which inning.

"For me, I'm just going to try to do the same thing, whether it's the seventh, eighth or ninth," Betances said. "I'm just going to try to take the same approach I did last year and not try to make too big a deal about who gets that job."

"I have no ego in it, and I'm ready to fill whatever role is necessary or fits best for the team," Miller said. "My goal is to win. If I'm handing the ball off to somebody, whoever that may be, I have no problem with that."

Girardi said that even if the Yankees break camp with a certain bullpen alignment, it could be altered during the season.

"You like to have the guys know their roles, if you can, but sometimes roles change -- and sometimes players force a change in role," Girardi said. "Betances forced a change in roles last year. Adam Warren forced a change as he continued to improve. I don't think you can just say, 'This is what it is, and this is what it's going to be.'"

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

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No discomfort for Tanaka after second 'pen session

TAMPA, Fla. -- There are plenty of eyes fixed upon Masahiro Tanaka with each windup, watching his face cautiously for any hint of a grimace. Thus far, there has been no reason for the Yankees to be concerned.

Tanaka threw his second bullpen session of the spring on Sunday afternoon at George M. Steinbrenner Field, firing 35 pitches to catcher Austin Romine. He said that he felt "absolutely good," with no discomfort.

"I think I was able to throw a little bit better than the last time," Tanaka said through an interpreter. "I think the No. 1 thing is, I'm throwing a little bit harder than last time."

Tanaka said that he made an effort to work in more breaking balls this time. In a 21-pitch bullpen on Thursday at the Yanks' Minor League complex, Tanaka said that he threw two splitters.

Tanaka has bullpen session

Tanaka throws first bullpen session of the spring

Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka threw a short bullpen session at the team's Minor League complex during Spring Training

"The overall number of pitches I threw were more than last time, so I threw more breaking balls." Tanaka said. "I'm trying to build that in right now."

The Yankees are hopeful that Tanaka's right elbow will have no more issues after rehabbing a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament. Tanaka said he is scheduled to throw at least one more bullpen session before facing live hitters.

"I thought he was good," manager Joe Girardi said. "He threw 35 pitches, threw everything and had no issues. That was encouraging."

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

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Sabathia comfortable with added weight in 2015

TAMPA, Fla. -- The best seasons of CC Sabathia's career had him tipping the scales heavier than most Major Leaguers, and so as the big left-hander reported to his seventh Spring Training with the Yankees, he showed up comfortable with his weight.

Sabathia said that he put on 10 pounds during the offseason, and though he declined to give his exact weight, he said that he expects to pitch this season between 295 and 305 pounds. At this time in 2014, the 6-foot-7 Sabathia weighed 275 pounds.

"I think last year I came in a little too light," Sabathia said. "By the end of the year last year, I felt good where I was at."

Sabathia's weight has fluctuated during his career, marked down as heavy as 315 during his days with the Indians. In 2011, Sabathia said that he lost 25 pounds just by cutting Cap'n Crunch from his diet -- of course, Sabathia acknowledged he had been eating the breakfast cereal an entire box at a time.

Sabathia has talked about the struggle of keeping the pounds off, particularly in tempting road cities like Chicago and Kansas City, but his weight-loss efforts coming into 2013 could have had unexpected consequences on the mound. Sabathia believes his trimmer form had something to do with that disappointing season (14-13, 4.78 ERA).

"I lost a bunch of weight drastically, pretty quick, two years ago, and kind of was off balance, and didn't know really how my body was working," Sabathia said. "So just talking to Dr. [Chris] Ahmad and to the trainers, I feel like this is a good weight."

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that Sabathia seemed to be 100 percent coming off right knee surgery, and that his weight has not been a topic of discussion for the coaching staff.

"There was no conversation about that," Girardi said. "Obviously he went through the knee injury, and he's probably had success at a lot of different weights. We're comfortable with where he's at. The big thing for us is to keep him out there. That's what we have to do on a consistent basis, so he can build off of each start. I have no concerns about that."

Sabathia threw a 25-pitch bullpen session on Saturday at George M. Steinbrenner Field, and he said that he already feels more like himself.

"I feel a little stronger," Sabathia said. "I feel my legs under me being a lot stronger, and being able to push off the mound."

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

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McCann better prepared for second season in AL

As he begins his second year with the Yankees, McCann is one of the stars being counting on for a bounce-back campaign. He explained that an offline bat path hurt his numbers, but he made tweaks late -- hitting eight September homers -- and he expects to be able to carry that into the regular season.

"Certain balls that I always got to, I was fouling them off," McCann said. "I was getting 2-0 fastballs and fouling them off over the third-base dugout. That's something that I've never really done. It took me longer than I thought to correct it, I guess, and now that I've got it corrected, the ball is coming off great."

McCann, who turned 31 this week, batted .232 with 23 home runs and 75 RBIs, seeing his average dip in part because of aggressive defensive shifting in the American League East. Still, manager Joe Girardi said that he thought McCann's year was decent.

Player Profile: Brian McCann

McCann led Yankees in HR, led MLB catchers in defense

Brian McCann struggled out of the gate in 2014, but finished the season strong and statistically was the best defensive catcher in baseball.

"People want to look at his average and say that he didn't have the year we were expecting," manager Joe Girardi said. "I thought he had a really good year. You think about what he went through, having to learn basically 12 new pitchers, then having to learn a whole new rotation. When you look at the end numbers, he was still pretty darn productive."

McCann worked on hitting the ball to the opposite field during his batting practice drills Saturday, but he isn't about to abandon the idea of pulling the ball -- especially given Yankee Stadium's friendly dimensions for a left-handed hitter.

"The shift is always going to be there," McCann said. "If I hit two or three singles in a row to left field, they're going to continue to play the shift, because that's where my power is. That's just the way it is, and whether that takes a couple of points off my batting average, if I take the approach I have day in and day out for 500 at-bats, at the end of the year things will be there."

Though McCann evaluates his offensive production as disappointing, there is one large positive to take from 2014. McCann said that he believes that was his best defensive season, and he credits the influence of catching instructor Gary Tuck.

"That's the best I've ever caught for a full season," McCann said. "Gary Tuck, this guy is top of the game. He's No. 1 in teaching catching. He opened my eyes up to ... another world, and I was able to translate that on the field."

Girardi said that he expects McCann's numbers to improve in 2015, simply because he should have less studying to do.

"He has a better idea of what to expect, a much better idea of what the league is all about and who the players are on each one of the teams -- how they're going to face him," Girardi said. "It should be an easier adjustment."

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

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Yankees have high hopes for top prospect Severino

TAMPA, Fla. -- There were plenty of young hurlers on display as Joe Girardi patrolled the back of the bullpen at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Saturday, but the Yankees manager made sure to check in on Luis Severino, who has been rated as the team's No. 1 prospect by MLB.com.

"It's a live arm," Girardi said. "It's a player that is bigger in stature than I thought when I heard some of the comparisons; he's bigger than I thought. A lot of times you worry about the rigors of players that are extremely thin, but he's a strong young kid, I believe, with a lot of talent."

Fans may want to keep an eye out for uniform No. 91 as the 21-year-old Severino experiences his first big league Spring Training.

The 6-foot, 195-pound right-hander pitched at three levels in New York's system last year, combining to go 6-5 with a 2.46 ERA in 24 starts. He struck out 127 batters and walked just 27 over 113 1/3 innings, highlighting his summer by appearing in the Sirius/XM All-Star Futures Game at Target Field.

Severino went as far as Double-A Trenton, where he fired 25 innings in six starts, and the Thunder will likely have him to open up 2015. Scouts have projected Severino to reach the Majors in 2016, but Girardi said that it is not out of the question that he could see the Bronx sooner than that.

"Obviously that's not up to me, but if you're in big league camp, there's a reason you're here," Girardi said. "Some of it is that you've been put on the 40-man roster for the first time. Some of it is that you really have the ability, and that we think you could be a part of our club this year."

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

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Girardi embracing competitive spirit of Yanks' camp

Up and down the roster, Girardi and his coaches will have plenty of questions to answer over the next seven weeks. The rotation, lineup and bullpen all seem flexible to an extent, and Girardi said it could take until the last two weeks of Grapefruit League games before the Yankees decide where all the pieces fit.

"In the beginning, I'm going to let guys get their at-bats," Girardi said. "I think they have to get their timing, and I don't think it's fair to judge. I think determining some roles in the bullpen will be extremely important as well. You'd like to say that you'll have that all ironed out by the end of Spring Training, but maybe you don't and you figure it out as we go."

Girardi on replay, pace of game

Yankees to test out new pace-of-game rules at camp

Joe Girardi likes the subtle replay changes and says the Yankees will try out the new pace-of-game initiatives in Spring Training

As the Yankees try to improve upon last year's 84-win, second-place finish, their chances could lean heavily upon bounce-back seasons from several major contributors. They scored the third-fewest runs in the AL last year, and Girardi believes the Yankees can get more production from sluggers like Carlos Beltran, Brian McCann and Mark Teixeira.

"Let's face it: The key to any order a lot of times is the middle of the order and how they produce, and that's where we need to keep those guys healthy and get the production we expect out of them," Girardi said.

The Yankees believe that Didi Gregorius will handle duties as the everyday shortstop, filling the vacancy left by Derek Jeter's retirement, and that second baseman Stephen Drew will have a better offensive season with a full winter of training.

Girardi noted that he doesn't expect Jacoby Ellsbury and Brett Gardner to move around the lineup as much as they did last year, when Ellsbury seemed miscast at times as a No. 3 hitter, and -- of course -- there will be plenty of eyes watching to see what Alex Rodriguez can provide.

"I'm excited to see how our pieces fit in our lineup," Girardi said. "We have switch-hitters, we have left-handed power, we have right-handed hitters -- I'm excited to see how it all fits."

Girardi on life without Jeter

Girardi sees multiple leaders to step in for Jeter

With Spring Training getting underway and Derek Jeter retired, Joe Girardi sees an opportunity for multipe leaders to step up

After using 13 different starting pitchers last year, the Yankees will hope to get complete seasons from Masahiro Tanaka, CC Sabathia and Michael Pineda. Nathan Eovaldi fired 199 2/3 innings last year for the Marlins and is being asked to replace Hiroki Kuroda's workload, while Chris Capuano could round out the rotation until Ivan Nova's expected return in June.

The bullpen appears to be the Yanks' biggest strength heading into the year, and they hope to use Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller to replicate the lock-down effect that vaulted the Royals into the World Series. Girardi did not rule out the idea of using Betances and Miller as co-closers, but said he is in no rush to iron out assignments.

"I think this team has a chance to be really good," Girardi said. "We need to do a better job of staying healthy than we've done the last two years, but I think we have a chance to be really good."

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

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Girardi: A-Rod could get extra ABs in Minors games

"I haven't really put any numbers on it," Girardi said. "I think it's fair to give him a fair number of at-bats before you start to judge where you think he might be at. He's played 44 games in two years and did not play last year. I think it's going to take him a good part of Spring Training just to get his timing down."

Rodriguez, who is six homers shy of tying Willie Mays (660) for fourth place on the all-time list, will turn 40 in July and has had his mobility impacted by surgery on both hips. As a result, the Yanks are thinking of Rodriguez more as a designated hitter than a third baseman, and he is slated to compete with Garrett Jones for those plate appearances.

"He's going to need to get his at-bats," Girardi said. "Will it come to a point where we have to send him to the Minor Leagues to get eight at-bats one day, maybe, to try to catch him up and speed up the process? It is a balance. We will have to balance, and communication is extremely important."

Girardi said that Rodriguez "is on our roster," and so it is possible that the Yankees could enter the season with Jones as the primary DH against righties and Rodriguez DHing against lefties, against whom he struggled during his abbreviated 2013 season (.585 OPS in 50 at-bats) but has historically hit well.

Rodriguez's Instagram account has featured photos that showed him taking ground balls at third base during workouts, and in a best-case scenario, the Yanks believe he might be able to help back up Chase Headley. Girardi has also floated the idea of having Rodriguez take his glove to first base as a backup for Mark Teixeira.

"That will be a conversation I have when he gets here, because I can have the conversation over the phone, but I can't see his face and reaction," Girardi said. "I want to have it in person. Everything that he said, he's willing to do everything to help us, and that's what you want from your players."

Girardi said that he believed Rodriguez's recent hand-written letter to fans served as an apology to the game as a whole, and the skipper said that he does not know how Rodriguez will be impacted by playing without the help of performance-enhancing drugs.

"I don't know what it's like to be on them, so I wouldn't know what it's like to be off them," Girardi said. "It's hard for me to judge. It's hard for me to try to play God and see what it's like to be Alex Rodriguez. I can't do that. Hopefully he's in a good place when he gets to camp, he gets the initial week behind him, and it gets more back to business for him and he can just go about his work."

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

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Yankees embracing unlikely role of underdog

Strip it all away, though, and one thing won't change for the New York Yankees: Expectations. That's the beauty of the Yankees. They don't make excuses. Nor do they lower the bar.

Girardi made that point several times during a Friday morning news conference as he began his eighth spring as Yankees manager. Despite all the uncertainty, Girardi believes the Yankees could still be good enough to win the World Series in 2015.

"If that's not what you're working for, you don't belong here," he said.

It may be months before the Yankees have all of their questions answered. First, there are the health issues. CC Sabathia, Masahiro Tanaka, Carlos Beltran, Michael Pineda and Ivan Nova are among the prominent players who had their 2014 seasons cut short by injuries.

Tanaka well prepared for 2015

Tanaka enters sophomore season healthy and confident

Yankees standout starter Masahiro Tanaka discusses his expectations for the 2015 season after reporting to Spring Training

And then there's age. Beltran is 37, Mark Teixeira 34, Sabathia 34. And Alex Rodriguez, who is 39, has played 44 games the last two seasons. One of the most watched players in camp will be 25-year-old Didi Gregorius, who was acquired from the D-backs to replace Derek Jeter.

All in all, questions abound.

"There are a lot of things that we do need to iron out, probably more than I can remember," Girardi said.

To be clear, Girardi isn't pessimistic.

"I think this team has a chance to be really good," he said. "I like the group of players that we've assembled. We need to do a better job of staying healthy than we've done the last two years, but I think we have a chance to be really good."

The Yankees most likely will be picked third or fourth in the American League East, and that's fine with them. On the other hand, there's an internal optimism about the future.

The Yankees believe their farm system has a nice wave of young players on the way, and that some of them will have an impact in 2015. Right-hander Luis Severino is at the top of the list. The 21-year-old boasts an above-average fastball and a devastating changeup. Think Pedro Martinez.

And there's second baseman Rob Refsnyder, a potential impact bat, and outfielders Ramon Flores and Tyler Austin. There are others, too, enough that the Yankees felt comfortable not making any big-ticket free-agent signings during an offseason in which general manager Brian Cashman added an assortment of pieces: Gregorius, infielder Stephen Drew, right-hander Nathan Eovaldi, reliever Andrew Miller and designated hitter Garrett Jones. Cashman also re-signed third baseman Chase Headley and left-hander Chris Capuano.

"I think there's probably a little bit more open competition this year," Girardi said. "I'll try to reiterate to the players on a constant basis that, 'You're not going to impress me the first day of camp [and] you're not going to impress me the first week of camp. Let's get into this, let's make sure you're in a good place and are physically ready to go before we start evaluating.'"

Girardi on A-Rod's spring

Joe Girardi on A-Rod's return to the Yankees

Joe Girardi talks about Alex Rodriguez's apology, his upcoming Spring Training and his potential roles in 2015

Rodriguez will dominate so much of the spring coverage that it may allow young players like Gregorius and Refsnyder to go about their business and reach a comfort level.

As for Rodriguez as a potential distraction, that's probably not going to be an issue. First, the Yankees make news even in the quietest springs. To play for them is to understand that everything is important.

Also, Cashman has done a phenomenal job of adding consummate pros like catcher Brian McCann, Teixeira, Beltran, Sabathia, etc. They're simply not going to allow a few TV cameras to interrupt their preparation.

And Girardi is the other part of this equation. The Yankees have missed the playoffs in two straight years, but along the way, Girardi has proven time and again that he deserves to be mentioned among baseball's elite managers. He has put his players in position to succeed and hasn't gotten distracted by the noise. When the manager keeps his cool in the toughest of times, it can set a tone for an entire organization.

"I'm anxious to get to work," Girardi said, "and to get better as a club and to be prepared on Opening Day. But I like the people that we've put in our clubhouse."

Richard Justice is a columnist for MLB.com. Read his blog, Justice4U. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Tanaka airs out right arm from bullpen mound

TAMPA, Fla. -- A crowd of about a dozen coaches and other observers clustered behind a chain-link fence on Thursday morning, watching closely as Masahiro Tanaka aired out his right arm. It's a scene that will likely be repeated many times this spring.

The 26-year-old threw 21 pitches from a bullpen mound, all fastballs, during a session that lasted about seven minutes at the Yanks' Minor League complex. Tanaka declined to speak to reporters after the session, waving to fans as he was driven from the facility.

Tanaka's health will be one of the most prominent storylines of the Yankees' Grapefruit League campaign. On the advice of four doctors, he rehabbed a partially torn right ulnar collateral ligament last season and returned to make two September starts, going home to Japan during the offseason as a healthy player in the organization's eyes.

Tanaka was able to follow a normal offseason conditioning program, and the Yankees do not expect there to be any limitations on his workload in Spring Training. Pitching coach Larry Rothschild said this week that Tanaka will likely be able to follow a similar program to the one that he was given last spring.

"We'll bring him along as his arm will dictate," Rothschild said. "I'm not going to push it, and we didn't last year, so it shouldn't be too much different. If I compare the schedules at the end of spring, I'm not sure what it's going to look like. We're not going to do too much stuff. We'll be aware of the situation. I'll see where he is as we do sides and everything, before we progress into a regular schedule."

Tanaka is expected to address the media on Friday, when Yankees pitchers and catchers officially report to camp. He went 13-5 with a 2.77 ERA in 20 big league starts last season, leading the Yankees in victories and complete games (three), while ranking second in starts, innings (136 1/3) and strikeouts (141).

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

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Yanks spring into action as pitchers and catchers report

TAMPA, Fla. -- Get ready to shake off that brutal winter up north, because the date we have all had circled on our calendars has arrived. Today is the official report date for Yankees pitchers and catchers, who are filtering in to George M. Steinbrenner Field.

Manager Joe Girardi is scheduled to hold his annual opening news conference in the pavilion outside the Yanks' spring home at 11 a.m. ET., marking the beginning of camp as he addresses the many questions that surround this year's squad.

It will be televised live on the YES Network, and for the first time, Girardi will answer questions from fans that have been submitted via Twitter. You can submit your questions to the skipper by using the Twitter hashtag #BeAPartOfIt.

2015 Spring Training: Yankees

Yankees hope core of stars can have big years in 2015

The Yankees look to their core stars like Brian McCann and Masahiro Tanaka and new addition Didi Gregorius to help them return to October

Today is report day, meaning that the pitchers and catchers must simply check into the area. For some, that involves weighing in and dropping equipment at a locker, but several players are likely to do more. There has already been plenty of action on the back fields of the complex.

Many of the pitchers arrived early to work with pitching coach Larry Rothschild and get a jump start on their spring, including right-hander Masahiro Tanaka, who started his second big league season by tossing 21 pitches from a bullpen mound on Thursday morning. Tanaka has sent word through the club that he plans to speak to the media today.

Tanaka has bullpen session

Tanaka throws first bullpen session of the spring

Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka threw a short bullpen session at the team's Minor League complex during Spring Training

Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller, who will be competing for duties as the Yankees' fourth closer in four years, headline the group of hurlers who have been running sprints and tossing at the team's Minor League complex. Nathan Eovaldi, whom the Yanks acquired from the Marlins in a December trade, has also been present. The first official workout for pitchers and catchers will take place on Saturday morning.

Chase Headley, Brian McCann and Garrett Jones were among the earliest-arriving position players, and they have already swung the bat on the diamond at Steinbrenner Field in preparation for the spring ahead. Yankees' position players are due to arrive in camp on Wednesday, and the first full-squad workout is set for Thursday.

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

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Yanks eye healthy production from stars

The storylines promise to be rich and on full display as the Yankees attempt to improve upon their 84-win, second-place finish in the American League East, turning the page to a new era that no longer features Derek Jeter on the diamond. Even the organization cannot be sure how it will all play out.

It's telling that the competition of naming a fourth closer in four years didn't even make our list; whether the Yankees ultimately go with Dellin Betances or Andrew Miller, it's hardly their toughest question of the year. They will be counting on bounce-back seasons from several major contributors and crossing their fingers for better health than they have experienced in the last two years, when they set and then shattered club records for players used in a single season.

"I think when you look at our club, I feel pretty good about the defense that we're going to run out there every day," manager Joe Girardi said. "I feel good about the bullpen we're going to run out there every day. ... I think the combination of the health of the pitchers and the middle of our order, and if that allows them to be the players they're capable of being, is going to have a lot to do with our season."

1. Can Masahiro Tanaka and CC Sabathia stay healthy and help?
The Yankees are cautiously optimistic that Tanaka will be able to come back and reclaim the form that he showed through those first 17 dominant starts of 2014. Following the rehab of a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, Tanaka is viewed as a healthy player in the Yanks' eyes, and they believe he can go through a normal spring workload without any restrictions. Still, they are aware that any one pitch could be his last for 12 to 18 months, and it remains to be seen if Tanaka will be as comfortable unleashing his devastating splitter following the injury -- a pitch that he threw 25 percent of the time last year. It's not a stretch to say that a healthy Tanaka could be the difference between the Yankees making the playoffs or not in what projects to be an evenly-matched AL East. Sabathia's days as an ace are probably over and his degenerative knee condition is a major concern, but the Yankees would still like to be able to think of him as a workhorse capable of eating innings, filling out a rotation that projects to be rounded out by Michael Pineda, Nathan Eovaldi and Chris Capuano.

Hoch on Sabathia, Tanaka

Health is key for success of Yankees' rotation in '15

MLB.com Yankees reporter Bryan Hoch discusses the importance of a healthy CC Sabathia and Masahiro Tanaka for the Yankees in 2015

2. Will players like Brian McCann, Mark Teixeira and Carlos Beltran produce better seasons?
We could have talked about Didi Gregorius here, but it's no secret that the Yankees did not get much bang for their buck from these three stars in 2014, a major reason that they produced just 633 runs, the third-fewest in the AL. They could have an even greater impact on the season. McCann seemed to play better in the second half, slugging eight homers in September, and they believe that his growing familiarity with Junior Circuit pitchers will pay dividends in 2015. Teixeira's numbers have been declining since 2009 and faded terribly in the second half, likely due to fatigue. There are historical precedents (David Ortiz, Jose Bautista) of players coming back stronger the second year after similar wrist procedures, a group Teixeira hopes to join. The Yanks feel they never saw the "real" Beltran last year because of his right elbow injury, and now that it has been cleaned up, they expect him to be closer to his 2013 performance for the Cardinals, when he served as an everyday right fielder with an impact bat. He is taking this as a challenge to reprove himself.

Outlook: McCann, C, NYY

Outlook: McCann should still provide solid pop

Brian McCann struggled in 2014, but he turned on the power towards the end of the year and should carry that over into next season

3. How much does Alex Rodriguez have left in the tank, and what will his role be?
Even the Yankees have no idea how this will turn out, a sentiment telegraphed by their moves to re-sign third baseman Chase Headley and trade for designated hitter Garrett Jones. The suspension has been served and A-Rod is a player in good standing, as far as Major League Baseball is concerned, so now it is up to Rodriguez to show that he can still catch up to big league pitching on a couple of bad hips and after playing just 44 games in the last two seasons. He'll need to get as many at-bats as possible during the spring and figures to compete with Jones for those. One possible scenario is that Jones would DH against righties and Rodriguez DHs against lefties, or his role could be greater. In fairness, the Yanks may not be able to realistically evaluate what they have in Rodriguez until the third week of exhibition games. During that time, the Yanks will see if Rodriguez can still move at third base, where he'd help back up Headley, and have toyed with the idea of having him take ground balls at first base, too.

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

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Rothschild: Yanks may use sixth starter in early going

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Yankees are considering using a sixth starter at times in April and May to reduce a potential early strain on their rotation, pitching coach Larry Rothschild said on Wednesday.

While they will not have a set six-man rotation going into the season, Rothschild noted that there is a stretch of 30 scheduled games in 31 days beginning on April 17. That could be a prime opportunity to work in some fresher arms and ease the workload.

"It's a result of some of the stuff that's gone on over the last few years, not just here, but everywhere," Rothschild said. "We're aware of situations here and early in the season, we need to get these guys through these stretches. Being that possibly early in the spring, some of them aren't going to be able to throw a lot, we're going to need to build them up too and give them the extra days when we can."

One year after they used 13 starters, the Yanks' rotation again has several health-related questions, most prominently revolving around Masahiro Tanaka, CC Sabathia and Michael Pineda. Rothschild first floated the idea of a six-man rotation last August while Tanaka was on the rehab trail, noting the epidemic of pitching injuries around the game.

Along with a group of projected starters that includes Nathan Eovaldi and Chris Capuano, the Yankees have several pitchers building up stamina as starters this spring. That includes Bryan Mitchell, Esmil Rogers, Adam Warren and Chase Whitley, each of whom could be ticketed for starting or relief roles this season.

"It'd be nice to go through a season with five starters, but there's a good chance we're not going to," Rothschild said. "There's a good chance every team in baseball won't, so it doesn't hurt to see who might fit in as a sixth starter."

At Rothschild's urging, Tanaka took Wednesday off after long-tossing on Tuesday at the Yanks' Minor League complex. Rothschild said that Tanaka is scheduled to throw a side session from the mound on Thursday, and the righty has had no issues related to the partially torn ulnar collateral ligament he sustained last July.

"It's something that if we need to deal with when it comes up, we will," Rothschild said. "Right now, it's just to be aware and not try to push through things when normally you might be able to. But why take that chance? You wouldn't do it in the spring anyway. As things crop up, if we need to deal with them, we will. Right now, I'm just looking at him as a guy that we're going to bring along according to how his arm allows us."

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

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Tanaka arrives at camp, plays long toss

"That's unbelievable," said Yankees right-hander Ivan Nova. "I didn't know that he would be able to do it like he did it. At the end of the season, to be able to pitch two more games and then come here like nothing happened, it's awesome."

Tanaka returns from DL

TOR@NYY: Tanaka tosses 5 1/3 frames in return from DL

9/21/14: Masahiro Tanaka returns from the DL and pitches 5 1/3 strong frames vs. the Blue Jays, allowing just one run and striking out four

There is no guarantee that Tanaka will be able to avoid Tommy John surgery, but the Yankees are encouraged because he was able to go through a normal offseason training program in Japan and has reported no issues.

Tanaka plans to address the media on Friday, when Yankees pitchers and catchers are due to report. Pitching coach Larry Rothschild said that it is possible Tanaka could be given a similar Spring Training workload to last year with no limitations.

"You have to be aware of it, but we'll be aware to put schedules together and things like that to try to keep him healthy," Rothschild said. "So far, everything has been good. That doesn't mean that it will be going forward, but we're going to do everything we can to make sure that hopefully it is."

Tanaka made 20 starts in his first big league season, going 13-5 with a 2.77 ERA, and he was named to the American League All-Star team via the player ballot. He left Japan last week and made a brief stop in New York, where he stopped by Yankee Stadium -- playing catch in the tunnel outside the clubhouse because the field was covered with snow -- before beginning the Florida portion of his spring.

"We won't rush him into it; I want to see what he's done," Rothschild said. "I know what he's done [in Japan], I just want to see how much effort and force he's using, and then we'll go from there."

On Tuesday, Tanaka tossed across a practice field with his interpreter, Shingo Horie, and worked out before departing the complex. Nova, who is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and aims to return in June, said that it is encouraging to see how quickly Tanaka seems to have bounced back.

"He was throwing. I wasn't expecting to see that," Nova said. "He looked like the same guy, smiling all the time."

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

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Moncada reportedly has second workout with Yanks

The Yankees see Moncada as a potential second baseman or third baseman at the big league level, but they have been said to be wary of a price tag that could exceed a $40 million signing bonus. The Dodgers, Red Sox and Padres are among the other clubs known to have interest in Moncada.

Because the Yankees already exceeded their international signing limits following a spending spree in the Latin American market, they would also be subject to a 100-percent tax if they signed Moncada, doubling the actual cost to the organization.

Leading the League: Yoan Moncada

Rosenthal discusses latest on Moncada on Hot Stove

On Leading the League, Ken Rosenthal and the Hot Stove crew cover the latest on Yoan Moncada and the remaining top free-agent pitchers

Yet the 100-percent penalty may not be a deterrent, especially because the Yanks' actions in the international pool will be severely limited over the next two seasons, unable to offer a signing bonus larger than $300,000 to any one player.

"The fact is, every club is going to be involved in a penalty at that level because he is a non-exempt player," Yankees assistant general manager Billy Eppler recently told MLB Network Radio. "Therefore, everybody is going to end up getting taxed on him."

Writing one more massive check could prove to be a worthwhile investment in the case of Moncada, whom evaluators believe would have been a candidate to be the No. 1 overall pick in the First-Year Player Draft, had he been eligible. Scouts believe he instantly would become the top prospect in the Yanks' system.

"There's no doubt there's penalties that come into play, but when you have talent that your evaluators have assessed as potential impact-level talent, you want to be in an opportunity to do so," Eppler said. "We're fortunate to have a very generous ownership group that allowed us to execute that policy."

Moncada is represented by agent David Hastings and is said to be looking to sign a contract before Spring Training camps open for position players. Yankees position players are scheduled to report on Wednesday.

While Moncada is not thought to be ready to leap immediately into the big leagues, the Yankees have spoken often about letting players' performance dictate their pace through the system, and they would be open-minded toward putting him on a fast track.

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

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Yankees bringing Burton to camp on Minors deal

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Yankees have agreed to terms with right-hander Jared Burton on a Minor League contract that includes an invitation to big league Spring Training.

Burton, 33, has compiled a career record of 18-19 with a 3.44 ERA and 10 saves in 367 relief appearances over eight big league seasons with the Reds (2007-11) and Twins (2012-14).

Last season with Minnesota, Burton was 3-5 with a 4.36 ERA and three saves in 68 appearances. In 64 innings, he permitted 58 hits and 34 runs (31 earned) while walking 25 and striking out 46.

He had his best season in the Majors in 2012, posting a career-best 2.18 ERA in 62 innings. The Twins declined his $3.6 million option in October, instead paying a $200,000 buyout.

With the signing, 68 players are now expected to report to camp. Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to arrive Friday.

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

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A-Rod reaches out to Headley with phone call

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Yankees signed Chase Headley to a four-year, $52 million contract this offseason in part because of their uncertainty regarding Alex Rodriguez's future at third base.

That could have placed Headley and Rodriguez in an awkward situation this spring, with Rodriguez battling for innings at the hot corner, but Headley said that he recently received a phone call from Rodriguez and that they seem to be on the same page.

"We didn't talk about that. It was more of an introduction," Headley said. "I think we both care about winning and that's the most important thing. That's what we talked about and that stuff will sort itself out.

"I'm not going to concern myself with that, I'm going to come out and try to do the best I can to do my job. However that shakes out, it'll shake out."

The Yankees have indicated that Headley is their primary choice to handle third base, coming off a half-season in New York in which he was acquired from the Padres in July. Rodriguez is being considered more for a designated hitter role, though he has been taking ground balls at third base this offseason and could give manager Joe Girardi options as a reserve.

Yanks position players are not due to report until Feb. 25, but Headley said that he got to the team's Minor League complex early to get acclimated. He is looking forward to the next few seasons after adjusting to New York well during his first taste of duty, including a walk-off hit in his debut.

"I think a lot of it just had to do with the guys in the clubhouse. They made me feel extremely comfortable right off the bat," Headley said. "That was a big help, and obviously the way that everything started made the transition a little bit smoother. I just really fit in well, is the best way I can describe it."

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

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Yankees have several options regarding lineup

As previously examined, the Yankees have many questions that need answers, and so club officials are reluctant to lock into many decisions at this time. Thus, the lineup published below is just one possibility and certainly will be open for discussion -- feel free to make your voice heard in the comments section.

"We're anxious to get to Spring Training to see what we've got," Cashman said recently. "I know we had a lot of areas of need. We wanted to get younger, but we had a lot of areas to fill. We are pleased with how the winter has gone. We've got a lot of guys with some risk, upside and youth. That creates a potpourri of things that can happen."

2015 Spring Training: Yankees

Yankees hope core of stars can have big years in 2015

The Yankees look to their core stars like Brian McCann and Masahiro Tanaka and new addition Didi Gregorius to help them return to October

2014 record
84-78, second in the American League East

Projected batting order
1. CF Jacoby Ellsbury:
.271 BA, .328 OBP, .419 SLG, 16 HR, 70 RBIs in 2014
2. LF Brett Gardner:
.256 BA, .327 OBP, .422 SLG, 17 HR, 58 RBIs in 2014
3. RF Carlos Beltran:
.233 BA, .301 OBP, .402 SLG, 15 HR, 49 RBIs in 2014
4. C Brian McCann:
.232 BA, .286 OBP, .406 SLG, 23 HR, 75 RBIs in 2014
5. 1B Mark Teixeira:
.216 BA, .313 OBP, .398 SLG, 22 HR, 62 RBIs in 2014
6. 3B Chase Headley:
.243 BA, .328 OBP, .372 SLG, 13 HR, 49 RBIs in 2014
7. DH Garrett Jones:
.246 BA, .309 OBP, .411 SLG, 15 HR, 53 RBIs in 2014
8. 2B Stephen Drew:
.162 BA, .237 OBP, .299 SLG, 7 HR, 26 RBIs in 2014
9. SS Didi Gregorius:
.226 BA, .290 OBP, .363 SLG, 6 HR, 27 RBIs in 2014

Projected rotation
1. RHP Masahiro Tanaka, 13-5, 2.77 ERA in 2014
2. RHP Michael Pineda, 5-5, 1.89 ERA in 2014
3. LHP CC Sabathia, 3-4, 5.28 ERA in 2014
4. RHP Nathan Eovaldi, 6-14, 4.37 ERA in 2014
5. LHP Chris Capuano, 3-4, 4.35 ERA in 2014

Projected bullpen
Closer: Dellin Betances, 1 save, 1.40 ERA in 2014
RH setup man: David Carpenter, 3.54 ERA in 2014
LH setup man: Andrew Miller, 2.02 ERA in 2014

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

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Jeter won't be at Yankees' opener

TAMPA, Fla. -- The captain won't be tossing this year's ceremonial first pitch. Derek Jeter plans to be far away from the Bronx when the Yankees begin the regular season against the Blue Jays on April 6.

"I think actually I'll be out of the country," Jeter told SiriusXM on Saturday, when asked where he'd be for the Yanks' opener.

In an interview launching a new weekly satellite radio show dedicated to his venture, "The Players' Tribune," Jeter reiterated his desire to enjoy some distance from the game as he begins his first full year of retirement.

"I need to get away," Jeter said. "I've been playing this game professionally for parts of 23 seasons, so I need to get away from it."

Jeter, 40, spoke often last season about looking forward to exploring new opportunities once his final inning was in the books, and several of his former teammates have said that they don't expect the Tampa, Fla., resident to drop by the Yanks' Spring Training complex this year.

In addition to the Players' Tribune website, Jeter has launched the Jeter Publishing imprint with Simon & Schuster, and he's linked with the Luvo food brand. He also has entertained thoughts of a future in sports ownership, reportedly looking into purchasing the Buffalo Bills NFL team last year.

"Oh, I will find something to do, but nothing physical," Jeter said.

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

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Severino leads pack of Yanks' up-and-comers

OF Tyler Austin: The 23-year-old burst onto the scene in 2012 before his rise was disrupted by a wrist injury. He hit .275/.336/.419 last year at Double-A, with nine homers and 47 RBIs in 105 games, and the organization still likes his raw power. Austin projects to begin the season in right field for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and could see big league time in '15.

Bird on being named AFL MVP

PER@SRR: Greg Bird joins booth after winning MVP

11/15/14: Greg Bird joins the broadcast booth during the AFL Championship game after being named 2014 AFL MVP

1B Greg Bird: Coming off his honors as the Arizona Fall League MVP, the left-handed slugger -- who was moved from catcher to first base and has impressed scouts with his advanced offensive approach -- enters camp with high expectations from the Yanks. Bird, 22, played last year at Class A Advanced Tampa and Double-A Trenton, posting a combined .271/.376/.472 split with 14 homers and 43 RBIs in 102 games.

OF Jake Cave: A sixth-round pick in the 2011 Draft, the 22-year-old Cave played last season at Tampa and Trenton, posting a combined .294/.351/.414 split in 132 games with seven homers and 42 RBIs. He showcases plus speed and a contact approach as well as good defense in center field.

OF Ramon Flores: An extremely patient hitter, Flores played 63 games last season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, producing a .247/.339/.443 split with seven homers and 23 RBIs. The 23-year-old product of Venezuela projects nicely as a reserve big league outfielder who could work his way into starting duty as soon as this year.

RHP Domingo German: The Yanks are excited about German's upside, having acquired him from the Marlins in December. The 22-year-old was 9-3 with a 2.48 ERA in 25 South Atlantic League starts last season, striking out 113 batters while walking 25 in 123 1/3 innings. German's fastball sits 90-93 mph and he was clocked as high as 99 mph last year, with an above-average changeup and a decent breaking ball. The organization sees him as a starter going forward.

Top Prospects: Judge, NYY

Top Prospects: Aaron Judge, OF, Yankees

2015 MLB.com Top Prospects: Aaron Judge has prodigious raw power and a strong arm in the outfield

OF Aaron Judge: The 6-foot-7, 230-pound Judge is impossible to miss on the field. He was the 32nd overall pick in the 2013 Draft and has already earned comparisons to Hall of Famer Dave Winfield, which fuels the Yanks' dreams about his possible big league impact this year or next. Judge batted .308/.419/.486 with 17 homers and 78 RBIs, showing raw power and hitting intelligence to go along with a plus arm.

LHP Jacob Lindgren: There was talk about Lindgren, an elite college closer at Mississippi State, jumping all the way from the Draft to the big leagues by the end of 2014. It didn't happen, but he made it all the way to Double-A Trenton, posting a combined 2.16 ERA in his first 25 pro innings. Lindgren will turn 22 in March and wields an excellent fastball-slider combination. A strong spring could put him in position to be one of the Yanks' first calls for bullpen help.

LHP James Pazos: A 23-year-old with a funky delivery, Pazos pitched last season at Tampa and Trenton, where he had a combined 2.42 ERA and 10 saves in 46 outings while averaging 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings. He has proved to be tough on both righties and lefties, and a solid campaign could put him in position to see New York.

2B Rob Refsnyder: There will be a lot of eyes on Refsnyder after a breakout campaign for Trenton and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he batted a combined .318/.387/.497 with 14 homers and 63 RBIs. The organization bought him more development time by re-signing Stephen Drew, but they promise to listen if Refsnyder keeps knocking on the door. A college outfielder, his defensive adjustments to second base have come along nicely and the organization believes he can handle that position.

RHP Nick Rumbelow: The 23-year-old shot through the Yanks' system last year, moving all the way from Class A Charleston to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He posted a 2.64 ERA in 44 combined appearances, averaging 12.6 strikeouts per nine innings, and is being talked about as a good candidate to open eyes as a breakout prospect this spring.

C Gary Sanchez: As he enters his age-22 season, Sanchez appears to be on the cusp of a promotion to the Majors. The power-hitting backstop hit .270/.338/.406 with 13 homers and 65 RBIs last year at Trenton, which rates as an above-average OPS at a premium position. The Yanks are working on his agility behind the plate but still believe he can stick there.

RHP Luis Severino: Over the last two years, Severino has jumped from a virtual unknown to the No. 23 overall prospect on MLB.com's Top 100 list. Signed out of the Dominican Republic, Severino surpassed expectations by reaching Double-A as a 20-year-old, going a combined 6-5 with a 2.46 ERA in 24 starts spanning 113 1/3 innings at three levels last year. The key was his consistency, and the Yanks see him as the total package: youth and elite fastball velocity to go along with an above-average slider and changeup.

LHP Tyler Webb: The 24-year-old pitched at three levels last season, making it to Triple-A, and has been mentioned as a strong candidate to make his big league debut in 2015. A 10th-round pick in the 2013 Draft, Webb had a 3.80 ERA in 48 combined appearances in 2014, averaging 12.3 strikeouts per nine innings.

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

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Yankees planning to retire Pettitte's No. 46

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Yankees will celebrate the career of baseball's winningest postseason pitcher, Andy Pettitte, by retiring his uniform number (46) and unveiling a plaque in Monument Park prior to an Aug. 23 game against the Indians at Yankee Stadium.

A club source confirmed the Yankees' intentions regarding Pettitte, who completed his 18-year Major League career at the end of the 2013 season. The left-hander posted a career record of 256-153 with a 3.85 ERA, plus 19 more wins in the postseason. He spent 15 seasons with New York and three with the Astros.

Pettitte's son, Josh, revealed the date and plans via his Twitter account. A five-time World Series winner and "Core Four" member, Pettitte was a three-time All-Star and the MVP of the 2001 American League Championship Series. He stands as the Yankees' all-time leader in strikeouts (2,020) and starts (438) while ranking third in wins (219) and innings (2,796 1/3).

Pettitte's stellar career

A look back at Pettitte's stellar career

MLB.com takes a look back at the stellar career of Andy Pettitte

The Yankees have made efforts to honor personalities from the late-1990s dynasty in recent years. Last year, Joe Torre, Tino Martinez and Paul O'Neill, as well as Goose Gossage -- who pitched for the Yankees in the 1970s and '80s -- were honored with plaques. Mariano Rivera was inducted into Monument Park late in 2013, and the Yankees have announced that they will honor Bernie Williams at some point this season.

Not including Williams, whose No. 51 has not been used since his last game, the Yankees have already retired 16 numbers, including 8 (Yogi Berra and Bill Dickey) and 42 (Jackie Robinson and Rivera) twice, making Pettitte the 19th player to receive such an honor. Torre's No. 6 was the most recent addition to a group that will almost certainly be joined by Derek Jeter's No. 2 in the near future.

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

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