TAMPA — Dellin Betances’ first appearance of the exhibition season was a mixed bag for the Yankees’ reliever.
“I feel good. I wanted to establish my [fastball] early in the count,’’ Betances said during a 9-6 Tigers victory at Steinbrenner Field on Wednesday. “The breaking ball is still not there.’’
Betances had an up and down 2017 season, when he struggled near the end of the year for a second straight season. His offseason training and throwing programs were geared toward keeping him strong throughout the season.
“I was surprised where I was at,’’ said Betances, who gave up a run, a hit and a walk, and struck out one.