TAMPA – At a time when managers in Florida and Arizona are delivering bad news in the form of new injuries at the start of camp, Wednesday was not good news from Aaron Boone and the Yankees.
As pitchers, catchers and World Baseball Classic participants reported for spring training and underwent physicals at George M. Steinbrenner Field, Boone indicated they had a healthy bunch — aside from the four players they had already announced would start the season on the injured list: Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt and Anthony Volpe.
There’s still a long way to go before now and Opening Day, but at least the Yankees appear to be off to a good start, which isn’t always the case.
“As far as I know, I think we’re in a good place,” Boone said.
Cole and Rodón played side by side in the backfield on Wednesday as both continued their rehabilitation from elbow surgery.
Rodón, who had a bone spur shaved and loose bodies removed from his left elbow in October, is “probably not far behind when the season starts,” said Boone, who appears to be keeping a late April return in play.
Cole, meanwhile, conducted “a number” of bullpen sessions at home before arriving in camp, about 11 months after undergoing Tommy John surgery. The former AL Cy Young winner is scheduled to face hitters “in a few weeks” and could even play in Grapefruit League games before camp ends, Boone said.
The Yankees won’t rush Cole, but the opportunity to pitch in exhibition games by late spring is a positive sign for Cole’s rehab as he looks to return in May or June.
As for Volpe, who underwent surgery on his left shoulder in October for a torn labrum, the shortstop is scheduled to begin his batting progression within the next two weeks, which is the final step to begin ramping up.
“He’s doing well,” Boone said. “Strength is all in the weight room and stuff like that. He’s got all that back. That took a while. His range of motion is huge.”
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