Yankees' takeaways from a winning weekend at San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO – In a few subtle words, Aaron Judge voiced last year’s lingering regret.

Before the Yankees finished their season-opening, three-game sweep at Oracle Park, Judge said “finishing out series’’ was a pregame conversation Saturday.

“That’s what’s going to make the difference between winning a division, or ending up in a tie and losing it,’’ said Judge, referencing the eventual AL champion Toronto Blue Jays’ 2025 path.

“Every game matters.’’

Hours later, Judge dented a parked ambulance with a fifth-inning insurance run – his second homer of the year – in a 3-1 win against the Giants, before scores of family, friends and spurned Bay area fans.

“Just soaking up the atmosphere,’’ said Judge of the entire scene. “We took care of business. That’s the most important thing.’’

Yankees’ challenge at hand Mar 28, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Trent Grisham (12) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a run against the San Francisco Giants in the third inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Mar 28, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Trent Grisham (12) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a run against the San Francisco Giants in the third inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Once more, manager Aaron Boone mentioned how much of a pest he’d been to his players during spring training.

The subject? Being great at the new ABS system, with measured reasoning – taking the emotional part out of it.

On a day when seven challenges reversed calls by plate ump Chad Whitson, none was bigger than Trent Grisham’s third-inning helmet tap with one out, none on base.

Suddenly, a called third strike was ball three. Grisham would walk and score on Ben Rice’s two-run double, giving the Yanks a 2-0 lead off starter Tyler Mahle.

Yanks’ catcher Austin Wells went 2-for-2 in his defensive challenges, which included getting a K for Tim Hill.

Ben Rice’s strides at first base Mar 28, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice (22) catches a fly ball against the San Francisco Giants in the second inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Mar 28, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice (22) catches a fly ball against the San Francisco Giants in the second inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

At first base, Rice’s defensive play is being graded daily by Yankees Universe.

And so far, the diligent offseason and spring training work has led to a sharp start – with several good scoops, a tricky catch of a pop up near the line and better footwork overall.

“You give him a challenge, he’s able to conquer it,’’ Boone said of his Dartmouth educated catcher-turned-first baseman.

“The more games I get under my belt, the more comfortable I’m going to feel,” said Bird, who held the bag on Jose Caballero’s relay, securing a double play to end the sixth, with runners at the corners.

“The reality is, I’ve got to keep getting in-game reps to keep feeling better.”

Jake Bird, flying high in Yanks’ bullpen

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