Category: Baseball

As players report to Spring Training the Red Sox brass are showing their faces as well. And for some reason they are deciding to speak publicly.

While availability to the press is definitely a better than the Where In the World Is John Henry? (Do it Rockapella!) game that has been played the last few seasons, the continued attempts to spin things to their benefit just keeps reaching new levels of silliness. This shouldn’t be a story. This shouldn’t have been a press conference.

But we did get a press conference from Sam Kennedy yesterday. And instead of looking to the future in 2026 we got more of the same nonsense about the past. Specifically, we got this nonsense from Kennedy about Alex Bregman’s free agency:

“If Alex Bregman wanted to be here, ultimately he’d be here.”

First of all, in September the very same Sam Kennedy had no problem saying this about Bregman:

“That’ll all take care of itself. He wants to be here, we want him to be here, and I’ll leave it at that.”

It’s actually understandable for Kennedy to not know what was coming in September, well before Bregman opted out. Heck, all Kennedy needed to say in September was “let’s finish the season, we’re focused on getting to October.” That far ahead of free agency, why would the the Sox want to set expectations?

I’m not even that upset they didn’t sign Bregman. After another year of mixed performance marked by injury, 2025 was more proof that a long-term deal was a risky proposition. But that is entirely beside the issue. At the end of the day we know that the Chicago Cubs acquired his services for five years and $175 million. It’s believed the Red Sox topped out at 5/$165. Chicago offered a no-trade clause and Boston, presumably, didn’t.

The Cubs have Spring Training in Arizona, Boston in Florida. Was that a factor? Sure. Maybe. Many MLB players make a lot of sacrifices to be on the road most of the year. Maybe it was the extra $10 million. Maybe he developed a fear of Wally. But again, this isn’t the point.

Sam Kennedy didn’t need to set himself and the team up for this by saying “That’ll all take care of itself.” He could have ignored it. Why did Bregman sign a deal with the Red Sox that had opt-outs instead of the rumored deal with the Tigers? Because he was always opting out. After a year in Boston, maybe they’d be the top of his list but that’s it. If he really, definitely, wanted to stay in Boston for five more years, surely he could have arranged that.

It’s too bad. Because the Red Sox went out and added two staters (Gray, Suárez). They added some infielders (IKF, Durbin). Willson Contreras was acquired. They are getting a full season of Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer. Obviously those last two spent time on the IL but for Anthony especially that’s not the expectation.

There is a lot to be excited about and the Sox brass are stepping on rakes. He wanted to make one more comment about Bregman, sure, I guess. But having it be his words from the fall in reverse and used to defend not re-signing their third baseman? Who is that for? What reasoning?

The Red Sox play Northeastern University on Friday and then it’s a rocket ship of major league opponents until Opening Day. Let’s just look ahead. This is a team to promote. If mistakes were made in the fall, that time has passed.

As players report to Spring Training the Red Sox brass are showing their faces as well. And for some reason they are deciding to speak publicly.

While availability to the press is definitely a better than the Where In the World Is John Henry? (Do it Rockapella!) game that has been played the last few seasons, the continued attempts to spin things to their benefit just keeps reaching new levels of silliness. This shouldn’t be a story. This shouldn’t have been a press conference.

But we did get a press conference from Sam Kennedy yesterday. And instead of looking to the future in 2026 we got more of the same nonsense about the past. Specifically, we got this nonsense from Kennedy about Alex Bregman’s free agency:

“If Alex Bregman wanted to be here, ultimately he’d be here.”

First of all, in September the very same Sam Kennedy had no problem saying this about Bregman:

“That’ll all take care of itself. He wants to be here, we want him to be here, and I’ll leave it at that.”

It’s actually understandable for Kennedy to not know what was coming in September, well before Bregman opted out. Heck, all Kennedy needed to say in September was “let’s finish the season, we’re focused on getting to October.” That far ahead of free agency, why would the the Sox want to set expectations?

I’m not even that upset they didn’t sign Bregman. After another year of mixed performance marked by injury, 2025 was more proof that a long-term deal was a risky proposition. But that is entirely beside the issue. At the end of the day we know that the Chicago Cubs acquired his services for five years and $175 million. It’s believed the Red Sox topped out at 5/$165. Chicago offered a no-trade clause and Boston, presumably, didn’t.

The Cubs have Spring Training in Arizona, Boston in Florida. Was that a factor? Sure. Maybe. Many MLB players make a lot of sacrifices to be on the road most of the year. Maybe it was the extra $10 million. Maybe he developed a fear of Wally. But again, this isn’t the point.

Sam Kennedy didn’t need to set himself and the team up for this by saying “That’ll all take care of itself.” He could have ignored it. Why did Bregman sign a deal with the Red Sox that had opt-outs instead of the rumored deal with the Tigers? Because he was always opting out. After a year in Boston, maybe they’d be the top of his list but that’s it. If he really, definitely, wanted to stay in Boston for five more years, surely he could have arranged that.

It’s too bad. Because the Red Sox went out and added two staters (Gray, Suárez). They added some infielders (IKF, Durbin). Willson Contreras was acquired. They are getting a full season of Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer. Obviously those last two spent time on the IL but for Anthony especially that’s not the expectation.

There is a lot to be excited about and the Sox brass are stepping on rakes. He wanted to make one more comment about Bregman, sure, I guess. But having it be his words from the fall in reverse and used to defend not re-signing their third baseman? Who is that for? What reasoning?

The Red Sox play Northeastern University on Friday and then it’s a rocket ship of major league opponents until Opening Day. Let’s just look ahead. This is a team to promote. If mistakes were made in the fall, that time has passed.

Hello and happy holiday Monday, folks. Very nice of the federal government to give Sam Kennedy and Larry Lucchino (RIP) their own dedicated holiday today.

Good news for ya: we officially get to see the Red Sox play some baseball this week! Boston’s first game of the spring, their annual tuneup against Northeastern University, will be held on Friday at Fenway South. I’m looking forward to the subsequent annual crash out on #SoxTwitter when Northeastern scores a run early—it’s something you can set your watch to at this point. First pitch against the Huskies is set for 1:05 eastern, and it’s ONLY……….ON NESN.

Grapefruit League play begins in earnest the following afternoon as we’ll take on the Minnesota Twins, the first of eight games against our fellow Fort Myers dwellers. Hopefully we begin our quest for the legendary Chairman’s Cup strong; I’ve personally heard from CBO Craig Breslow that getting that silverware back into the Fenway South trophy case is of paramount importance this season. It’s coming home, many are saying.

How excited are you to watch spring training baseball?

Sound off in the comments about how important a 2026 Chairman’s Cup win would mean to you, and why that triumph would be a more iconic moment in franchise history than David Ortiz’s walk offs in Game 4 and Game 5 combined.

Be good to each other and go Sox.

Hello and happy holiday Monday, folks. Very nice of the federal government to give Sam Kennedy and Larry Lucchino (RIP) their own dedicated holiday today.

Good news for ya: we officially get to see the Red Sox play some baseball this week! Boston’s first game of the spring, their annual tuneup against Northeastern University, will be held on Friday at Fenway South. I’m looking forward to the subsequent annual crash out on #SoxTwitter when Northeastern scores a run early—it’s something you can set your watch to at this point. First pitch against the Huskies is set for 1:05 eastern, and it’s ONLY……….ON NESN.

Grapefruit League play begins in earnest the following afternoon as we’ll take on the Minnesota Twins, the first of eight games against our fellow Fort Myers dwellers. Hopefully we begin our quest for the legendary Chairman’s Cup strong; I’ve personally heard from CBO Craig Breslow that getting that silverware back into the Fenway South trophy case is of paramount importance this season. It’s coming home, many are saying.

How excited are you to watch spring training baseball?

Sound off in the comments about how important a 2026 Chairman’s Cup win would mean to you, and why that triumph would be a more iconic moment in franchise history than David Ortiz’s walk offs in Game 4 and Game 5 combined.

Be good to each other and go Sox.

Good morning, all! The oh-so-gradual preparations for the 2026 MLB season keep coming along, and today marks another small hurdle. Pitchers and catchers have already been in camp since at least Wednesday, and all position players had to report by yesterday. Well, today is the first full-squad workout.

…

…

It’s OK. You don’t have to get too excited. You just have to hope no one pulls something. That’s the Golden Rule of spring training, after all. Just get to Opening Day with all your limbs intact!

Since the gang’s all here, let’s think about the less-heralded members of the gang who could take major steps forward in 2026. For our question of the day today, who are you eyeing to make said jump?

Hard-hitting Ben Rice and young gun Cam Schlittler stick out as potential quality picks, but maybe you consider them too obvious. That’s up to you! The “jump” doesn’t have to be from the same point of development.

There are other good young players to consider beyond them too, like 26-year-old offseason trade addition Ryan Weathers, who has shown nasty stuff in earlier years with San Diego and Miami. Fellow aspiring starter Will Warren has the potential for more as well, and reliever Camilo Doval could be a candidate to take a step back forward to his older All-Star form from Giants days gone by. At 28, he’s far from cooked. A number of prospects could be options as well: Elmer Rodríguez, Carlos Lagrange, Spencer Jones, Dax Kilby …. who ya got?

Today on the site, Jeff will tip his cap to former No. 3 overall pick Barry Foote on the Yankees Birthdays segment, and Nick will preview the aforementioned Doval’s 2026 campaign. Kevin will take a deep sigh and look back on the second DJ LeMahieu contract, and how the Yankees kind of shot themselves in the foot multiple times in that effort. Later, Madison will issue the latest mailbag prompt.

Good morning, all! The oh-so-gradual preparations for the 2026 MLB season keep coming along, and today marks another small hurdle. Pitchers and catchers have already been in camp since at least Wednesday, and all position players had to report by yesterday. Well, today is the first full-squad workout.

…

…

It’s OK. You don’t have to get too excited. You just have to hope no one pulls something. That’s the Golden Rule of spring training, after all. Just get to Opening Day with all your limbs intact!

Since the gang’s all here, let’s think about the less-heralded members of the gang who could take major steps forward in 2026. For our question of the day today, who are you eyeing to make said jump?

Hard-hitting Ben Rice and young gun Cam Schlittler stick out as potential quality picks, but maybe you consider them too obvious. That’s up to you! The “jump” doesn’t have to be from the same point of development.

There are other good young players to consider beyond them too, like 26-year-old offseason trade addition Ryan Weathers, who has shown nasty stuff in earlier years with San Diego and Miami. Fellow aspiring starter Will Warren has the potential for more as well, and reliever Camilo Doval could be a candidate to take a step back forward to his older All-Star form from Giants days gone by. At 28, he’s far from cooked. A number of prospects could be options as well: Elmer Rodríguez, Carlos Lagrange, Spencer Jones, Dax Kilby …. who ya got?

Today on the site, Jeff will tip his cap to former No. 3 overall pick Barry Foote on the Yankees Birthdays segment, and Nick will preview the aforementioned Doval’s 2026 campaign. Kevin will take a deep sigh and look back on the second DJ LeMahieu contract, and how the Yankees kind of shot themselves in the foot multiple times in that effort. Later, Madison will issue the latest mailbag prompt.

Rejoice, San Diego Padres baseball is back!

Full squad workouts have begun in preparation for the 2026 season. And by the end of the week, we will have digested our first Cactus League clash. 

Not too many major league Spring Training camps have two legitimate stars like Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. beginning their work for the coming season. Each will continue to anchor the Padres’ lineup at the top of the order. Normally, we would be discussing their impact on the team’s success. 

Instead, all eyes will be on Ethan Salas, who is entering the crossroads of his pro career.

Why has Salas’ stock dropped?

No question, his stock has declined, as Salas is no longer atop the consensus top prospect lists. Baseball America ranked him No. 8 in their 2024 MLB prospect list. Now, Salas is ranked No. 90 in this year’s prospect list. Injuries and struggles at the plate have contributed to his demise.

So, not great news for Salas, who is the Friar’s top international free agent signing at 16 years old for $ 5.6 million. Despite all the uncertainty, the organization invited him to major league camp as a non-roster invitee.

Since his arrival, his offensive production has been disappointing. In three minor league seasons, Salas has a career batting average of .221, accompanied by underwhelming power numbers. He has 58 extra-base hits in 800 minor league at-bats. But what is more alarming is that he struck out in 22.5% of his plate appearances. It is not a bad percentage if you were a proven power-hitter. 

Last season, Salas hit .188 in 10 games at Double-A San Antonio. The 19-year-old missed the remainder of the season due to a stress reaction in his lower back. Thus, another lost season in his development.

The one constant in his up-and-down pro career has been his defense, as Salas is considered one of the top defensive catching prospects in baseball. Scouts have graded him with high marks (70-fielding and 60-arm) on their 20-80 grade scale. It is the reason why Salas is still in conversation as a potential major league call-up candidate.

What is next in Salas’ career?

The odds are high that Salas will begin the 2026 campaign in the minors. The Padres do not have a spot on the Opening Day roster for him, as all the competitors for the backup catcher role have a proven track record in the majors. 

You can argue that injuries have left him a shell of his former self. But Salas has an opportunity in the major league camp to show he can be productive at the plate and hopefully remain injury-free for the upcoming season.

It is not impossible to believe the Friars might be inclined to trade Salas before breaking camp. Nevertheless, other clubs may be reluctant to acquire him due to concerns regarding his offensive production. If the market for Salas is lower than expected, then let him develop in the minors. Hopefully, he fulfills his potential and becomes a more complete player.

It is not impossible to envision Salas turning his career around. He is young enough to improve offensively.

All the talk is over; Salas must prove he is a potential fixture in a major league lineup. He is at the crossroads of his Padres career; something has to give in 2026. 

Speculation about a contract extension for San Diego Padres President of Baseball Operations and General Manager A.J. Preller has been persistent this offseason. Multiple reports have stated that a deal between Preller and the Padres would be forthcoming but to this point nothing is done as of the team’s first full squad workout of Spring Training, Sunday.

Preller is entering the final year of his contract, making him a “lame duck” general manager. Questions about his future with the organization are to be expected but so far remain unanswered. Padres CEO Erik Greupner spoke with Ben Higgins and Steven Woods of “Ben and Woods” on 97.3 The Fan in October of 2025 about an extension for Preller.

“It’s always been the plan that the discussions around an extension for A.J. would take place at the beginning of the offseason as part of our review and evaluation,” Greupner said. “So those discussions have begun and we’re optimistic that A.J. will be our president of baseball operations past 2026.”

Now that February has arrived, Spring Training has begun and Preller still does not have a contract extension, the questions about his future with the team are becoming more prevalent and players are being asked for their thoughts on the situation. Manny Machado, who Preller brought to San Diego as a free agent in 2019, praised Preller and the work he has done with the Padres, adding his lack of an extension is “weird.”

“Yeah, it’s kind of weird,” Machado said. “They’ve been saying they’ve been working on it. Obviously, there’s a lot going on right now with the organization, but I think they’ll figure it out. At the end of the day, we all know the value of A.J. in this organization.”

It certainly cannot hurt Preller’s case for an extension if one of the locker room leaders who is connected to the team for the foreseeable future speaks on his behalf. To Preller’s credit, according to a social media post from Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union Tribune, when Preller was asked about Machado’s comments he said, “You give out a $300 million contract, usually you get those kinds of comments.”

Preller had the backing of another prominent player well before the media scrums on Sunday. Michael King who re-signed with the Padres in the offseason after testing the free agent market credited Preller for his desire to return to San Diego.

“I’d say the main reason I signed back here was because of Preller,” King said at Padres FanFest in January. “Knowing him as a GM, I know he is going to put a winning team out there every time I’m a part of this contract. I wanted to win throughout the duration of it, and I have the trust in him to do that.”

Machado had similar sentiments to King about Preller and his ability to put together a roster, and for good reason. Preller has been the architect of the most successful run in franchise history, which has included trips to the playoffs in four of the last six seasons.

“We do what we can with the team and he does his best,” Machado said. “Obviously, it’s been successful the last two years with what we’ve had to navigate. This year is nothing different.

“He’s made three moves (Saturday) in a matter of 24 hours and made our team drastically better and he’s going to continue to do that,” Machado added.

Preller has been one of the most active and aggressive general managers in baseball during his time in San Diego. He has shown a willingness to trade from the roster and the minor league system to acquire current players like Fernando Tatis Jr., Joe Musgrove, Yu Darvish, Jason Adam, Jake Cronenworth and more recently Mason Miller. He traded for players who have left the organization like Blake Snell, Juan Soto, Josh Hader, Dylan Cease and Luis Arraez. Not all the trades have gone in favor of San Diego, but each one has kept the Padres in the discussion of a team competing for a World Series championship.

“I think we all know that and we all have faith in him and know that he’s gonna want the best for this organization, the best for this team and he’s gonna try to put the best team out there to go out there and give us the best opportunity to win a championship,” Machado said Sunday.

Preller has also spent money, and this is an area where the part of the fanbase that was not upset about trading away prospects and potential, tends to stand up and make its voice heard. Preller initially signed Machado and then extended him for 11 years at $350 million, keeping him with the team until 2033. Preller extended Tatis Jr. on a 14-year $340 million deal in 2021 and Cronenworth on a seven-year, $80 million deal in April of 2023. Preller extended Jackson Merrill in 2025 with a nine-year, $135 million deal and gave shortstop Xander Bogaerts $280 million over 11 years in free agency in 2023.

Not all these contracts looked good at the time they were given out and some still do not look very good today. However, this offseason has shown the cost for star-level major league players is climbing rapidly and the contracts like the ones given to Cronenworth or Bogaerts may look better from one year to the next moving forward.

The farm system is depleted because of multiple trades over the past couple of seasons, but Preller has shown the ability to scout, identify and acquire talent that allows him to continue to make deadline deals year after year.

Depending on what you read or hear, the San Diego fanbase seems divided about Preller’s future with the Padres. He has his supporters and he has people who would happily pack his bags if it meant he could leave town faster. Preller has said he wants to be in San Diego, and the players seem to want him, too. Sooner or later a deal for Preller needs to get done and if it is not with the Padres, there is little doubt another team would not jump at the chance to bring him into their organization.

Major League Baseball is being extra cautious with the new Automated Ball Strike Challenge System going into effect this season.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported last week that MLB broadcasts will not show whether a pitch is a ball or a strike on the on-screen strike zone in an effort to make sure no one can exploit the ABS system through on-air broadcast. 

However, in theory, that would have already been hard to do, and the change is one that likely would have gone unnoticed by viewers at home. 

The broadcast will still show pitches in the strike zone box, but there will not be any definitive indication of what the right call is, which had been shown through a circle within the strike zone box that would be filled in to mark a strike or hollowed out to indicate a ball. 

“The change was made because that box will now be used for the ABS system, and MLB is doing everything it can to ensure no one can exploit it. In fact, the box will be shown in just one place in the ballpark: the broadcast booth,” the Sun-Times wrote in their report.

The change does appear to be superfluous, considering the short window of time that players have to challenge a ball or strike call. 

The batter, pitcher or catcher is the only one who is allowed to challenge and is not allowed any assistance in doing so, and the challenges must be made immediately, essentially making it impossible for anyone to try and cheat the system using the broadcast. 

The challenge is initiated by a player tapping the top of his head, and then an animation of the pitch in question is shown on the stadium videoboard and on the television broadcast. 

The ABS system has been tested in the minors since 2022 and was used during spring training last year. 

MLB voted to adopt ABS last September.

Major League Baseball is being extra cautious with the new Automated Ball Strike Challenge System going into effect this season.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported last week that MLB broadcasts will not show whether a pitch is a ball or a strike on the on-screen strike zone in an effort to make sure no one can exploit the ABS system through on-air broadcast. 

However, in theory, that would have already been hard to do, and the change is one that likely would have gone unnoticed by viewers at home. 

The broadcast will still show pitches in the strike zone box, but there will not be any definitive indication of what the right call is, which had been shown through a circle within the strike zone box that would be filled in to mark a strike or hollowed out to indicate a ball. 

“The change was made because that box will now be used for the ABS system, and MLB is doing everything it can to ensure no one can exploit it. In fact, the box will be shown in just one place in the ballpark: the broadcast booth,” the Sun-Times wrote in their report.

The change does appear to be superfluous, considering the short window of time that players have to challenge a ball or strike call. 

The batter, pitcher or catcher is the only one who is allowed to challenge and is not allowed any assistance in doing so, and the challenges must be made immediately, essentially making it impossible for anyone to try and cheat the system using the broadcast. 

The challenge is initiated by a player tapping the top of his head, and then an animation of the pitch in question is shown on the stadium videoboard and on the television broadcast. 

The ABS system has been tested in the minors since 2022 and was used during spring training last year. 

MLB voted to adopt ABS last September.

It has been less than a week since the start of 2026 Spring Training arrived, and the it feels like the 2025 bad injury luck for the Braves never ended. It feels like every day comes with a new injury update, and while some may be positive, the negative updates seem to always be of significance.

Jurickson Profar spoke with the media for the first time, and it was revealed he had sports hernia surgery back in November. The good news is that is fully healthy now, which is certainly a positive for the lineup. The more significant news of the day was that Hurston Waldrep will be out indefinitely due to “loose bodies” causing soreness in his pitching elbow. The ligament seems to be fine currently, but this is another blow to the Braves rotation depth. The logic of adding another starter has now become a legitimate need, one the Braves likely need to address sooner than later.

Braves News

Profar also discussed his expected role with the Braves as DH heading into 2026 season.

MLB News

Bryce Harper of the Phillies discussed the offseason comments from GM Dave Dombrowski for the first time on

Sunday.

MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: The Yankees are in an interesting spot with outfielder Jasson Domínguez in 2026. Domínguez is still young enough and his development would be best served by playing every day. However, it’s difficult—at least as of right now (we’re still over a month away from Opening Day and it’s best to expected the unexpected with spring training roster health)—to make the argument that he’s in the Yankees’ best lineup since Aaron Judge, Trent Grisham, and Cody Bellinger patrol the outfield with Giancarlo Stanton at DH. That very well could mean that “The Martian” starts the year back in the minor leagues. Domínguez himself understands the dilemma, but is trying not to focus on the noise surrounding his status.

ESPN | Jorge Castillo: After suffering an elbow injury last July, Judge spent a lot of the stretch run hampered. While that didn’t really stop his march to the MVP, the Yankees’ captain definitely felt the effects while playing the field. Going into 2026, that shouldn’t be an issue. Judge is “fully cleared” be a full participant in workouts and will feature in several of the early spring training games before he heads to the World Baseball Classic on behalf of Team USA.

MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: We’ll double down on Hoch this morning. Carlos Lagrange is ranked as one of the top 100 prospects in baseball according to several outlets, featuring a high-octane fastball as well as a trio of tantalizing secondary pitches. He’s undoubtedly one of the most interesting players in the Yankees’ system. So far in spring training, he’s impressed the Yankees, not only on the mound but off it too.

By the way, in case you’re wondering, the man himself clarified how to pronounce Lagrange’s last name, since some people haven’t been getting it right:

TAMPA — The Yankees are losing their captain for a few weeks in March, but they plan on seeing plenty of him in game action until then.

Before he leaves to captain Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, Aaron Judge likely will play in four or five of the first nine Grapefruit League games, manager Aaron Boone said Sunday, adding that he is “full go” with his arm after dealing with a flexor strain last summer.

“I need to up his workload in his first week going into the WBC,” Boone said at Steinbrenner Field. “I want to build [him] up to where when he leaves, he’s played six innings in a game and probably played — right now, I’m planning on playing him in four or five of the first nine games, just so he’s in a good spot when he’s got to go there and play nine innings.

“I want to make sure I up it, as safely as we can.”

Most springs, Boone eases his veterans into Grapefruit League action. But this one will be different with Judge set to leave camp March 1 to go play right field for Team USA.

As for Judge’s elbow, he took a couple of weeks off from throwing in the offseason before beginning to ramp back up, with all indications being that it has gone smoothly to date.

“He’s throwing the ball really well right now,” Boone said.

Elmer Rodríguez, one of the top Yankees pitching prospects, flashed his potential across two innings of live batting practice Sunday afternoon.

“Big fan,” Boone said. “Another guy that I think has a really, really bright future as a starting pitcher. I think he’s got a chance to be a really good starter. He can do a lot of things with the ball on the mound. He’s got a number of different pitches, he’s got real good feel to pitch.

“When I watch him, I look at him and think, ‘That guy’s going to be a starter in this league for a long time.’ That’s my early impressions.”

Cam Schlittler had Sunday off from throwing, but he is scheduled to get back on the mound for a bullpen session Tuesday, which would be his first since the Yankees slowed him down because of mid-back and left lat inflammation.

Aside from Sunday, the right-hander has been playing catch every day while getting treatment on his back.

Ben Rice, who was dealing with a stiff neck in the first few days of camp, resumed hitting Sunday, facing Rodríguez and relievers Tim Hill and Angel Chivilli in live batting practice.

Boone said all position players reported as expected Sunday and at least as of the afternoon, no new injuries had popped up during their physicals. … Max Fried threw two innings of live batting practice Sunday, building up to around 35 pitches.

TAMPA — The Yankees are losing their captain for a few weeks in March, but they plan on seeing plenty of him in game action until then.

Before he leaves to captain Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, Aaron Judge likely will play in four or five of the first nine Grapefruit League games, manager Aaron Boone said Sunday, adding that he is “full go” with his arm after dealing with a flexor strain last summer.

“I need to up his workload in his first week going into the WBC,” Boone said at Steinbrenner Field. “I want to build [him] up to where when he leaves, he’s played six innings in a game and probably played — right now, I’m planning on playing him in four or five of the first nine games, just so he’s in a good spot when he’s got to go there and play nine innings.

“I want to make sure I up it, as safely as we can.”

Most springs, Boone eases his veterans into Grapefruit League action. But this one will be different with Judge set to leave camp March 1 to go play right field for Team USA.

As for Judge’s elbow, he took a couple of weeks off from throwing in the offseason before beginning to ramp back up, with all indications being that it has gone smoothly to date.

“He’s throwing the ball really well right now,” Boone said.

Elmer Rodríguez, one of the top Yankees pitching prospects, flashed his potential across two innings of live batting practice Sunday afternoon.

“Big fan,” Boone said. “Another guy that I think has a really, really bright future as a starting pitcher. I think he’s got a chance to be a really good starter. He can do a lot of things with the ball on the mound. He’s got a number of different pitches, he’s got real good feel to pitch.

“When I watch him, I look at him and think, ‘That guy’s going to be a starter in this league for a long time.’ That’s my early impressions.”

Cam Schlittler had Sunday off from throwing, but he is scheduled to get back on the mound for a bullpen session Tuesday, which would be his first since the Yankees slowed him down because of mid-back and left lat inflammation.

Aside from Sunday, the right-hander has been playing catch every day while getting treatment on his back.

Ben Rice, who was dealing with a stiff neck in the first few days of camp, resumed hitting Sunday, facing Rodríguez and relievers Tim Hill and Angel Chivilli in live batting practice.

Boone said all position players reported as expected Sunday and at least as of the afternoon, no new injuries had popped up during their physicals. … Max Fried threw two innings of live batting practice Sunday, building up to around 35 pitches.

Nick Castellanos has no hard feelings toward the Phillies over the way his time in the City of Brotherly Love ended, but he acknowledged that there are lessons to learn from the experience. 

The biggest learning lesson for Castellanos comes from an incident in June, which had been reported by The Athletic, where he brought a beer into the dugout and screamed at manager Rob Thomas and hitting coach Kevin Long.

Castellanos, who was released last week, apologized for the incident in an open letter to Phillies fans and spoke more about his time in Philly at camp with his new Padres team.

“I think when I said I will learn from this is I guess just letting emotions get the best of me in the moment,” Castellanos told reporters at the Padres spring training complex in Arizona. “[Going forward] possibly if I see things that frustrate me or I don’t believe are conducive to winning to speaking up when I see it instead of letting things just pile up over time. And finally, when I address it, it’s less emotional.”

Castellanos found a new home days after the Phillies released him, signing a one-year contract with the Padres over the weekend. 

The newest member of the Padres organization seemed upbeat about the opportunity in San Diego. 

However, he didn’t seem to regret the way certain things happened in Philadelphia, namely how vocal he was about his frustrations in September. 

“In the moment, I felt how I felt, and I spoke from the heart, and I was honest in every word that I said,” he said. “It’s not like I was outwardly ever displaying that. I kept it all inside. But when I was asked a question, I shot straight, and then people perceived it how they wanted.”

The one thing Castellanos said he wished had been different was the ballclub winning a World Series title. 

“I mean, I think winning solves everything,” Castellanos said. “So, I think the one thing that I wish would have ended up different that we would have won.”

The Phillies reached the World Series in 2022, but lost to the Astros.

Castellanos now heads to the West Coast and is expected to find time as a designated hitter, while also playing some outfield and potentially first base.