ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Andrew Benintendi hurt his wrist, and then the Yankees completely fell apart in a 9-0 loss to the Rays on Friday.
Aaron Boone called it “embarrassing.” Just about everything was bad.
Though there were a few slivers of good news for the Yankees on Friday.
Luis Severino’s heater: Severino touched 97.3 mph in his first minor-league rehab assignment game with the Low-A Tampa Tarpons on Friday. He threw two scoreless innings and 22 pitches, giving up a hit while striking out three and walking none. The Yankees hope Severino can return to the rotation in mid-September and factor into their playoff rotation.
Nestor Cortes’ next step: Cortes will throw a live batting practice at the team’s player development complex on Friday. If that goes well and if his groin strain doesn’t act up, Cortes could come off the injured list shortly. Cortes’ return would help the Yankees in that it would push Clarke Schmidt back to the bullpen and allow the Yankees to trim the fat from their relief corps.
Zack Britton going again: Britton is expected to pitch Saturday for Low-A Tampa. His previous outing was cut short due to leg cramps.
Jameson Taillon expects to make his next start: Taillon took a comebacker off his right wrist that forced him to leave his last start early. But there was little bruising Friday, despite some remaining swelling, and he threw in the outfield. He said he believes he’ll be able to start Monday at Yankee Stadium.
Aroldis Chapman’s infection: It’s “improving,” according to Aaron Boone. Chapman suffered the infection after getting a tattoo on his leg.
Please subscribe to us now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.
Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com.