Pinstripe Alley · Mar 1, 2019
Gary Sanchez to make spring debut, bats cleanup for Yankees
Kim Klement-USA TODAY SportsLater today, Gary Sanchez will make his first appearance in a Grapefruit League game this year. The Yankees catcher eased into spring training after undergoing shoulder surgery in November. He will bat fourth, slotting behind Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton in a fairly representative lineup.
Sanchez, 26, had a nightmare season in 2018. The catcher hit .186/.291/.406 with 18 home runs in an injury-shortened campaign. In addition to the nagging shoulder pain, Sanchez struggled with a groin strain for most of the summer. He also faced intense scrutiny from fans regarding his defense and hustle.