Observations from Yankees spring training from Tampa on Monday:
Alex Verdugo had a two-hit day, picking up a pair of singles in the Yankees’ 4-3 win over the Phillies.
Phillies second baseman Kody Clemens, son of Roger, hit a home run off Jonathan Loaisiga in the reliever’s second outing of the spring. One batter later, Verdugo lost a ball in the sun that fell for a “double” off Loaisiga.
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The Yankees have included Cody Poteet when talking about the competition for the fifth starter — along with Will Warren, Luis Gil, Luke Weaver and Clayton Beeter — but it was notable that the right-hander only threw two innings of relief on Monday. It was Poteet’s third straight outing of only two innings, none of which have been starts. It’s possible the Yankees might see him as a better fit in a multi-inning role out of the bullpen.
The Yankees have their second and final off day of camp, though Marcus Stroman will throw live batting practice at Steinbrenner Field.