Bomber Bites for March 27th

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

1. Claiborne Crash: Preston Claiborne, who started camp as a favorite to make the big league club after gaining experience in the majors last summer, has played his way out of the bullpen conversation. Yesterday in his latest debacle, he allowed six runs on two singles, two doubles, a walk and a hit by pitch. He recorded zero outs. The question now is not whether Claiborne can be a contributor to the Yankee bullpen, but whether he will be designated for assignment to remove him from the 40-man roster or not.
2. Sore Soriano: Alfonso Soriano has a sore right shoulder that is affecting his throwing. The injury is considered minor and has not forced the 38-year-old out of any games yet. The injury is attributed to his missing the beginning of camp with the flu.
3. Ellsbury Expected to be Ready for Opening Day: Jacoby Ellsbury, out for the last 11 days with a sore calf, returned to the field yesterday going 1-for-4 in a minor league game. He played five innings in center field and said he felt great after the game. GM Brian Cashman stated that Ellsbury will play at least one more minor league game before returning to Grapefruit League action.
4. Cervelli Number Two: Austin Romine joined John Ryan Murphy in minor league camp yesterday after being optioned to Triple-A Scranton. That leaves Francisco Cervelli as the official back-up catcher after a red hot spring. There are still about 44 players in camp, a number that needs to be downsized to 25 before the end of the weekend. Expect a lot of cuts in the next few days
5. Today’s Game: The Yankees will travel to Bradenton, Florida to take on the Pirates. CC Sabathia will make his final spring start in preparation for Opening Day. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 PM and will be televised on YES…And those are your Bomber Bites for March 27th! Enjoy your day!