The Yankees’ three most significant imports this offseason came with potential personality red flags.
Juan Soto was part of a Padres clubhouse that reportedly was not a strong one last season, when a team with plenty of superstars fell flat.
Marcus Stroman has been known as polarizing wherever he has gone, sparring even with Brian Cashman after the Yankees GM said in 2019 Stroman wasn’t a “difference-maker” for a playoff rotation.
Alex Verdugo had his battles with the Red Sox, including twice getting benched by manager Alex Cora for arriving to the park late and then for a lack of hustle.
After a full spring training and about two weeks of the season, the three have been welcome additions to a Yankees clubhouse that might have more edge and definitely has more energy.
“I’m always a believer — 162 games in 180 days, stretch that out even further over spring training — it’s a grind,” manager Aaron Boone said before the Yankees’ 5-2 loss to the Marlins on Wednesday. “I want guys that are energy givers, not energy suckers, in that room.
“I think all the [three] guys … have brought an energy that on certain days is a little shot in the arm.”
The Yankees have been a boisterous and winning bunch in the early weeks of the season.
Verdugo, in particular, has been a catalyst for a group that has taken to calling one another “dawgs,” homering Tuesday and arriving back in the dugout to barks from his teammates.
The “dawgs” mentality has stuck.
“Fun little mantra that they’ve taken to that they believe is real and what they want to be, what they want to embody,” Boone said.
What does dawgs mean?
“Get your Urban Dictionary out,” Boone joked of a term that evokes a tough competitor.
DJ LeMahieu (right foot contusion) took batting practice outside and ground balls at third base.
Boone said LeMahieu is expected to go on the upcoming road trip (to Cleveland and Toronto) with the team, a positive sign.
“He continues to do well,” said Boone, who did not divulge a timetable.
Gerrit Cole (right elbow inflammation) is expected to play catch Thursday, Boone said.
Cole had begun throwing again Monday.
Tommy Kahnle (right shoulder inflammation) is set to throw a bullpen session Thursday or Friday, Boone said.
The righty’s return had been delayed “a little bit” after he did not bounce back well from a live batting-practice session at the end of March.
He is back to throwing off a mound.
Top prospect Spencer Jones had yet to debut for Double-A Somerset due to a stiff neck.
Boone said he was not sure when the outfielder would return to action.
The righty’s return had been delayed “a little bit” after he did not bounce back well from a live batting-practice session at the end of March.
He is back to throwing off a mound.
Top prospect Spencer Jones had yet to debut for Double-A Somerset due to a stiff neck.
Boone said he was not sure when the outfielder would return to action.
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