The box score was unambiguous: the New York Yankees pummeled the Detroit Tigers, 20-3, in their Grapefruit League opener Feb. 21 at George M. Steinbrenner Field. It was an afternoon of big swings and bigger stories — both on the field and just outside the stadium.
Big bats set the tone
– Spencer Jones provided the flashiest moment, blasting a towering 408-foot home run to right. The prospect’s raw power is undeniable, though he also struck out twice as he searches for more consistent timing. Jones says he’s tinkering with his hand action to create a repeatable trigger; coaches want the power but also a swing that produces more contact.
– Aaron Judge mashed two homers and played the role of mentor between at-bats, helping Jones simplify his load and use his long frame to handle high fastballs. Judge has been organizing his spring build around the World Baseball Classic, and his work showed: he’s swinging well and anchoring the middle of the lineup.
Pitching that turned heads
– Right-hander Carlos Lagrange, 22 and listed at 6-foot-7, grabbed attention with a heater that touched 102.4 mph. Across a 53-pitch stint he sat near 99 mph, mixed in a cutter and slider, and tossed a 93-mph changeup that produced a pair of strikeouts. He worked 2 2/3 innings, allowed two runs (one earned), gave up three hits and issued two walks.
– The club praised his composure. The velocity is elite, but the next steps are clear: sharpen command, refine pitch sequencing and get his secondary pitches to a reliably effective place. Expect a patient plan — more live batting practice, incremental bullpens and another simulated or Grapefruit League turn before evaluating him for a rotation role.
Health and recovery updates
– Reliever Cam Schlittler resumed simulated innings as he comes back from mid-back inflammation. He’s moving through a staged throwing program and appears close to facing hitters again, with the club sticking to conservative steps to reduce re-injury risk.
Off-field chaos: a sewer break creates an ugly mess
Outside the playing surface, a broken sewer line near the main entrance sent raw sewage into exterior areas and, in spots, under parts of the venue. The odor reached the clubhouse after the game, forcing interviews into a hallway and prompting an immediate containment response. Maintenance crews and stadium staff worked quickly to cordon off contaminated zones while security steered fans away from affected entrances.
Club officials say the contamination did not reach player lockers, but visible damage and lingering smells required a thorough clean before the clubhouse could be reopened for normal use. City utilities are involved, repairs are underway, and access will remain limited until the site is certified safe.
A lighthearted detour
Amid the cleanup, Russell Wilson stopped by the clubhouse for a brief visit, greeting players and staff and lifting spirits for a few minutes. The appearance didn’t change the ongoing safety protocols — restricted areas stayed restricted — but it did provide a morale boost while crews continued their work.
What comes next
The Yankees are balancing baseball and logistics this week: continued development for young players like Jones and Lagrange, careful rehab timelines for injured pitchers, and daily coordination with local utilities and facility crews to restore full clubhouse operations. The team says it will keep staff and players updated and only resume normal clubhouse routines once inspectors give the all-clear.