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New York Yankees News: Nathan Eovaldi, Brett Gardner Yet To Take Part In Spring Training

By Kenneth Teape

Aug 18, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner (11) reaches on a bunt single to third during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner (11) reaches on a bunt single to third during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Yankees News: The Yankees are still waiting on two of their regulars to take the field for Spring Training, as Nathan Eovaldi and Brett Gardner have yet to take part.

The New York Yankees will officially get their 2016 season underway when they have their first Spring Training game on Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers. The Yankees have begun getting into a routine at Spring Training as they prepare for the regular season.

Like every team, the Yankees take things slow at the beginning with some players as they do not want anyone to get hurt. But, usually they can partake in some capacity. That has not been the case for two players; Nathan Eovaldi and Brett Gardner.

Eovaldi, who did not make another appearance last season after September 5th because of a forearm strain, has not yet thrown off a mound this spring. He has been held out with what the team is calling tightness in his groin. Manager Joe Girardi is hopeful that Eovaldi can take the mound on Wednesday in a bullpen session when the team returns to work after their day off today.

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Girardi also added that he is not overly concerned with the injury, but that Eovaldi’s scheduled would be pushed back a couple days as a result. But, there is not yet any worries that he will not make the customary six starts during the spring to be ready for the regular season.

Eovaldi will be entering his second season with the Yankees, and is expected to be their No.2 or 3 starter. With the uncertainty surrounding the starting rotation, Eovaldi will be counted on to produce. His first season in the Bronx was a little rocky, as he still struggled with walks and hits allowed despite having his first winning record of his career at 14-3. The Yankees are hoping he can improve upon his 4.20 ERA and 1.45 WHIP.

Gardner has also yet to take the field this spring with his teammates. He suffered a bone bruise to his left wrist in the Wild Card loss to the Houston Astros, and is still feeling the effects of the injury. He will not be taking at-bats until Wednesday the earliest.

All Gardner has been able to do thus far at the plate is a few sessions hitting off the tee or having balls soft tossed at him in the batting cage; he has not yet seen live pitching. Girardi is hopeful that will change on Wednesday, as the plan is for Gardner to face live pitching in the batting cage, but not on the field.

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While neither of the injuries to Eovaldi or Gardner should be taken too seriously as this time, the longer they linger the more questions that will be raised. Hopefully both players can make their expected appearances Wednesday or the Yankees may start to get concerned with their health statuses.

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