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Yankees: Tyler Glasnow’s comments on Jay Bruce grow case for Opening Day roster spot

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 25: Tyler Glasnow #20 of the Tampa Bay Rays reacts after walking Max Muncy (not pictured) of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning in Game Five of the 2020 MLB World Series at Globe Life Field on October 25, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 25: Tyler Glasnow #20 of the Tampa Bay Rays reacts after walking Max Muncy (not pictured) of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning in Game Five of the 2020 MLB World Series at Globe Life Field on October 25, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

A bit of mental warfare within the division? Why not?

We’ve talked plenty about how Jay Bruce has been turning heads at spring training, and now there’s more of a reason for the New York Yankees to consider giving him an Opening Day roster spot.

Tampa Bay Rays (new) ace Tyler Glasnow, who is now co-hosting a podcast with Chris Rose on the Jomboy Media network, mentioned the veteran as one of the toughest batters he’s ever faced.

The Rays have given the Yankees enough trouble over the past few years. Perhaps it’s time to return the favor?

“You almost feel like certain guy you face know what you’re going to throw and they’re just on time with everything,” Glasnow said of Bruce.

We didn’t see this coming, but we don’t hate it.

And he’s got a point! Bruce is a robust 4-for-6 with two doubles, one home run, three RBI and a stolen base over his career vs the right-hander.

Glasnow doesn’t exactly give the Yankees problems, but he owns a 3.70 ERA and 1.32 WHIP with 32 strikeouts in five starts (24.1 innings) against New York for his career. While the Rays got worse this offseason, they’re probably still the Bombers’ toughest immediate competition, so adding any advantage will be crucial for getting through the 2021 campaign.

That’s just the latest nugget helping Bruce’s case to make the roster.

Throw in that he’s a veteran, versatile on the defensive end (can play corner outfield spots and first base), and a lefty power bat, and he’s certainly someone who management will be keeping an eye on until the very end of spring.

The man has over 300 career home runs and is finally happy to be in the running to potentially join a contending roster. He’s only made the postseason five times and has never made it past the division series.

Did we mention he can elevate that home run count with the short porch in right? And that he obliterates right-handed pitching (235 HR, .814 OPS for his career)? If he can also give you a mental edge over one of your fiercest division rivals, then there’s going to be some serious thinking to do over the next few weeks.

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