Sunday proved to be yet another busy day in Spring Training. The Yankees got to see its marquee pickup from this winter in game action for the first time, while Mets fans received an early look at a “ghost” of sorts. Here’s a look ast some notable highlights from Grapefruit and Cactus League action on Sunday.
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First Start for Senga
Yesterday, Justin Verlander made his first start as a Met in Jupiter, Florida. Today, new Mets arm Kodai Senga made his debut in Jupiter. Against the Cardinals on Sunday, Senga threw two innings and struck out two. One of those strikeouts came off of his nasty “ghost” splitter that beat prospect Jordan Walker.
Aside from the splitter, Senga sat in the 96-98 MPH range with his fastball. He did have trouble finding his comfort early on, as he walked two to start the game. But, Senga settled down shortly thereafter.
Rodón Makes 2023 Bow
New Yankees LHP Carlos Rodón made his first start of the spring on Sunday against the Braves. It didn’t go all that well for the new Yankees arm, as he was chased out of the game in the third inning by Atlanta. Rodón gave up a two-run shot to Matt Olson in the first, and then another to Austin Riley in the third. In total, Rodón struck out two but yielded six hits and five earned runs in 2.0+ IP.
New York did win the game 10-6. Oswaldo Cabrera, who’s competing for a regular role in The Bronx in 2023, hit his second home run of the spring on Sunday.
Kelenic Goes Yard…Again
After two ugly campaigns in Seattle, could Mariners outfielder Jarred Kelenic be on the verge of a breakthrough? In a 6-1 victory against the Brewers in Cactus League action, Kelenic hit his fourth home run of the spring on Sunday. It came off a middle-middle fastball against former NL Rookie of the Year Devin Williams.
Seattle opted to add some security to its outfield this past winter after Jesse Winker was dealt to Milwaukee with AJ Pollock. But if Kelenic can hit like this in the regular season, it’s hard to see Pollock blocking the former top ten pick from getting regular playing time.
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