Spencer Jones, an outfielder for the New York Yankees, made headlines during Thursday’s Grapefruit League game against the Atlanta Braves by hitting his second home run of spring training. The seventh-inning shot left George M. Steinbrenner Field and reportedly landed near Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa, Florida.
Manager Aaron Boone commented on Jones’ performance, stating, “He put a really good swing on that ball. Obviously, that’s what he’s capable of right there.”
Jones has been working to improve his swing by studying Shohei Ohtani’s approach at the plate. “He’s a great reference of a really good mover with a great swing,” Jones said. “He’s one of those guys that I look at with some of the stuff he does, and I try to apply it in whichever way I can.” Last season in the Minor Leagues, Jones hit 35 home runs.
So far this spring, Jones is 2-for-6 with four strikeouts and a walk. Boone noted Jones’ progress: “I feel like he’s put together some good at-bats. He’s getting a lot of playing time, which is good. He’s a big man that’s made a lot of adjustments, that’s tried to get himself into good positions. Hopefully he can keep building on that.”
In other news from Yankees camp, pitcher Elmer Rodríguez is preparing to represent Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Rodríguez shared his anticipation about pitching again in Puerto Rico for the first time since before the 2021 MLB Draft: “I’ve always wanted to pitch again in front of my family,” Rodríguez said. “Getting a chance to pitch there in front of all the fans from Puerto Rico who follow me and support me, I’m just trying to go out there and put on a show for them.” Rodríguez was rated as the Yankees’ No. 3 prospect last year by MLB Pipeline.
Rodríguez completed his final tune-up before the tournament by allowing two runs and two hits over three innings against Atlanta; he walked one batter and struck out four.
Thursday also saw Hall of Fame manager Joe Torre return as a guest instructor for his third consecutive year with the Yankees during spring training. Boone spoke positively about Torre’s presence: “I love having him around,” Boone said. “I get excited when I first see him in street clothes in there. I just like being around him. Guys love seeing him, and as long as he keeps wanting to do it, I’m going to keep on inviting him.” Torre spent time watching the game alongside Boone near the first-base dugout.
Boone added about former players returning: “That’s the beauty of some of these legends coming back,” Boone said. “It’s the history of the game, which I certainly love. But they’re also very interested and curious in our team. It’s great having him here.”
Actor and director John Turturro was also present at Steinbrenner Field working on an upcoming documentary about Torre’s career produced by MLB Studios along with BD4 and Motto Pictures.
Looking ahead, Luis Gil is scheduled to make his second start of spring training when the Yankees play against the Minnesota Twins in Fort Myers on Friday at 1:05 p.m.
