Carlos Carrasco strengthened his case to make the Opening Day roster but the Yankees’ bats were silent as they fell to the Braves, 4-0, in split-squad action.
Here are the takeaways…
-Carrasco put the finishing touches on what was a fantastic spring in Yankees camp. The non-roster invitee shut out the Braves for five innings, allowing just one walk while striking out three batters. He threw 54 pitches (33 strikes) and made it look easy against a Braves lineup that had most of their regulars.
Across 16 innings pitched, Carrasco has pitched to a 1.69 ERA and a 0.94 WHIP. The veteran right-hander has an opt-out on Saturday if he doesn’t make the roster, but the Yankees, with their injuries, may not have a choice but to bring him on.
-After Carrasco left the game, the Yankees bullpen struggled especially Fernando Cruz. Cruz, who the Yankees obtained from the Reds in the Jose Trevino deal this offseason, started the sixth inning with a throwing error before allowing a two-run shot to Austin Riley. After a four-pitch walk to Matt Olson, and a mound visit, Cruz spiked a wild pitch before getting Bryan De La Cruz to strike out. But that would be it for Cruz who allowed two runs (one earned) across 0.1 innings (22 pitches/10 strikes).
Wednesday was not the best audition for Cruz who is looking to capture a spot in the bullpen. The hard-throwing right-hander has allowed at least one run in three of his last four appearances.
–Luke Weaver allowed a solo shot on the first pitch he threw in the eighth inning to Patrick Clohisy who jumped on the first-pitch cutter to put the Braves up 4-0.
Devin Williams dominated the ninth inning, getting the Braves in order, including two strikeouts on his patented Airbender changeup.
-Despite the stellar starting pitching, the Yankees bats just could not get to Braves starter Spencer Schwellenbach. The young right-hander allowed just two hits, walking one while striking out 10 batters across six innings.
–Austin Wells led off again on Wednesday, finishing 1-for-3 with a strikeout. It’s looking more and more likely Wells will be the Yankees leadoff hitter on Opening Day.
Aaron Judge‘s tough spring continued as the reigning AL MVP went 0-for-2 with a strikeout and is hitting a paltry .120. Oswaldo Cabrera (0-3) and Trent Grisham (0-2, BB) were the other notable hitters who went hitless in this one.
What’s next
The Yankees hit the road to take on the Baltimore Orioles. First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m.
Will Warren will take the mound in what could be his final audition for a roster spot.
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