SARASOTA, Florida – Jay Bruce has an opt-out on March 25.
But the Yankees’ outfield / first baseman went to another effort Saturday night to avoid making a big decision at all.
In addition to his case for the Yankees’ 26-man roster, Bruce provided additional proof that he was healthy when he managed to run on the left field during a 2-1 loss to the Orioles on Ed Smith Stadium.
“I’m very proud of my defense,” Bruce said. “I feel really good. My body feels great physically. I’m in a good place.”
Regarding the waiver of the contract, Bruce said that the decision does not depend entirely on him.
“I’m the wrong person to ask when it comes to whether or not it’s going to be a difficult decision,” said Bruce, who now fights 6-for-26 with two actions in 11 games. “I have little control over this. I know I came to spring training physically ready to go. I feel that I have shown that I am able to manage several positions. My seesaw feels good.
“It simply came to our notice then. I do not know. I’m looking forward to hearing. My goal is to continue preparing for the season and I hope to help the club. ”
Giancarlo Stanton’s return to the field will not come in spring training. Yankees manager Aaron Boone opened the door for the slugger to act on the field this season last month, but Stanton said Saturday it will not happen before the team leaves the camp.
“During the season, that’s the plan,” Stanton said. “But as the discussions continued, Boonie and I talked about how I would be needed later, in the first month or two. So now it is not as important to be ready to leave during the season, after a few weeks.
Stanton said the action in the outfield game this spring would not be very useful if he did not play there in a game right outside the gates in the regular season.
“If I go in there now and then I don’t go out there for three or four weeks, it’s just like making sure I’m ready to go during training,” Stanton said. “So that’s the thought of it.”
Mike King, after eliminating six and allowing a four-run run since early Saturday, said his goal this season is to throw 100 innings with the Yankees – no matter how they come.
“I don’t care where I am, if they’re beginners, pigs, long relief, whatever,” King said. “But I think if I can contribute 100 solid innings to this team, I think it would be very beneficial for this season.”
Clint Frazier was originally scheduled to make the trip and play in Saturday’s game, but the Yankees detained him in Tampa. The player on the left wrote on Twitter that he is “fine”.