Fri, March 13, 2026 at 2:38 AM UTC
An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Jasson Dominguez belts a homer off Justin Verlander in the fourth inning of the Yankees’ spring training loss to the Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium on March 12, 2026
Observations from Yankees spring training on Thursday:
Déjà vu
Jasson Domínguez blasted a homer off Justin Verlander from the left side.
It brought up memories of Domínguez’s first major league homer, which came off Verlander in Houston on Sept. 1, 2023.
Domínguez said he “of course” was thinking of that shot when he went up against Verlander again Thursday.
Jasson Dominguez belts a homer off Justin Verlander in the fourth inning of the Yankees’ spring training loss to the Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium on March 12, 2026. Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Ben a long time
Ben Rice is 0-for-8 with four strikeouts and a walk in his past three games.
Defensively, however, he has looked fine so far at first base, which is the Yankees’ main concern for him this spring.
New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice (22) prepares to take batting practice before a game against the Philadelphia Phillies during spring training at BayCare Ballpark. Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
Caught my eye
Max Schuemann, looking to compete for a backup infielder spot, didn’t help his case when he was picked off first base by Kenley Jansen.
Friday’s schedule
Look for Cody Bellinger at first base, Ryan McMahon at shortstop and Ryan Weathers on the mound when the Yankees visit the Braves in North Port, Fla., at 1:05 p.m.