Yankees' spring training lineup vs Tigers features top prospect battle (and more)

Though Yankees fans got a great look at top prospect pitcher Elmer Rodriguez on Friday, the first lineup of spring training left a lot to be desired. The group compiled just three hits, struck out 10 times, and did not offer anything intriguing to follow in regard to storylines or position battles.

But Saturday is an entirely different story. The Yankees will be home against the Tigers and this lineup has plenty for fans to follow, and you can watch it on the YES Network or Gotham Sports App.

Top prospect Carlos Lagrange will be on the mound (something we knew was likely to be the case as early as last week), so that already had fans inclined to watch. Additionally, this lineup features a major roster battle as well as a few smaller acquisitions hoping to play a role at some point in 2026.

Jasson Dominguez will lead off and play left field while Spencer Jones will bat seventh and handle center field duties. Eyes will be on these two young sluggers all spring as the Yankees configure their outfield situation and bench. More than likely, both will start the year at Triple-A, but the next month of play could determine who has the edge in regard to future playing time. And if there's an injury to an outfielder, it could determine who travels north with the team later in March.

Aaron Judge is here, too, batting second. That's cool. He's the man.

Yankees spring training lineup Feb. 21 vs Tigers at George M. Steinbrenner Field

As for the rest, Seth Brown, Paul DeJong and Max Schuemann have a chance to make a first impression. All were acquired in minor transactions to determine if the Yankees could get some help in a few areas of need.

Brown could potentially offer platoon help at first base and the corner outfield spots. He previously boasted 20-homer power with the Athletics. The problem is that he's a lefty, and the Yankees don't really have room for another right now. But you never know what can happen.

DeJong is probably the least impactful to keep an eye on. We suspect he's here in case the Yankees have early injury troubles at shortstop and need an emergency solution. The righty slugger also offers 20-homer power, but he's fallen off notably after his 2019 All-Star campaign.

And finally, Schuemann was acquired in a trade with the A's and offers a ton of versatility (he's logged reps at every position except first base, catcher and pitcher). Not to mention, his right-handed bat offers a profile this lineup could use: limiting strikeouts and patience at the plate. Though his numbers across his first two seasons don't jump off the page, he could prove to be a valuable utility option if he emerges ahead of the group this spring.

Friday felt like the unofficial start of spring training. But with every team in action on Saturday and the Yankees actually fielding a real lineup, there's definitely more of a legitimate reason to tune in.