DUNEDIN, Fla. — The Yankees may just want to break camp now, a week early, and cover their players in Bubble Wrap until Opening Day.
Paul Goldschmidt exited Monday’s game against the Blue Jays after two at-bats and 2 ¹/₂ innings because of a sore back that he has been dealing with for a few days.
The 37-year-old first baseman said he has “zero” concern about being ready to start the season on time in 10 days, but decided to play it safe Monday.
“Wasn’t really any worse today, it was just one of those things where, just kind of thinking you don’t want it to get worse with a week or so to go,” Goldschmidt said during a 6-5 loss at TD Ballpark. “Should be fine.”
The first two innings Monday were long ones, which meant plenty of standing around for Goldschmidt.
Aaron Boone indicated that was part of his calculus in taking the veteran out of the game early.
Paul Goldschmidt hits a single during the Yankees’ spring training game against the Pirates on March 16, 2025.IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“Nothing I don’t think that’s anything too big,” Boone said.
Goldschmidt was already going to be off Tuesday after playing back-to-back days, but Boone expects to have him back in the lineup Wednesday night against the Braves.
The Yankees have been ravaged by injuries this spring, and while the biggest punches have come to their pitching staff, they are also set to begin the season with Giancarlo Stanton (tennis elbows) and DJ LeMahieu (calf strain) on the injured list.
Paul Goldschmidt is pictured during a Yankees spring training game Feb. 28.Charles Wenzelberg
Through 13 games this spring, Goldschmidt is 10-for-32 (.313) with a 1.077 OPS.
“This was kind of taking a few days and not really getting worse, but obviously still something that was there, thinking, ‘Is this really the time to try to push it?’ ” Goldschmidt said. “I think the answer’s no.”
Yoendrys Gómez continued to solidify his case for a spot in the Yankees bullpen, tossing 2 ¹/₃ scoreless innings to give him 9 innings this spring without giving up a run.
The former starter has seen his fastball velocity tick up in a relief role this spring — flashing more 94 and 95 mph heaters like he did Monday, thanks to improved mechanics.
That, along with the 25-year-old righty being out of minor league options and the Yankees suffering a few injuries in their bullpen, has him projected to make the team out of camp.
“I’m excited about the steps YoGo’s made,” Boone said. “I feel like he’s looking good. He’s thrown strikes for the most part, with more power to everything. He’s very much in the mix.”
LeMahieu has started hitting off a tee and has been “moving the needle” in his rehab from a calf strain, Boone said. … Stanton has been “doing a little bit more” than just treatment, but Boone declined to elaborate on what that included. … Ian Hamilton, who was slowed by an infection earlier in camp, threw live batting practice in Tampa on Monday and could get into his first game for his next outing. … Jake Cousins (forearm strain) is throwing out to 90 feet.
