Observations from the Yankees’ spring training game Thursday.
Good start
Aaron Hicks hit a leadoff homer, sending one out to the opposite field and then added a double for his first extra-base hits of the spring, helping the Yankees to a 6-1 win over the Phillies at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater.
Loaisiga shows some glove
Jonathan Loaisiga, looking to win a spot in the bullpen, tossed three shutout innings and made two excellent defensive plays on hard comebackers.
Caught my eye
Bronx native and Fordham Prep grad Andrew Velazquez had three hits and scored two runs, while playing all nine innings at third base.
Friday’s schedule
Jameson Taillon has been excellent this spring in his comeback from Tommy John surgery and gets his third start, this one against the Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland at 1:05 p.m.