Feb 25, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) on the mound as he throws a pitch during live batting practice during spring training at the Yankees player development complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Yankees know that, this early in spring training, fans will make time to watch no matter who’s in the lineup.
And the team is fully testing that theory on Monday for Gerrit Cole’s first start against the Tigers.
The Yanks opened their spring slate with a loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday afternoon, and though the lineup featured many regulars, the bump featured a series of fringe roster candidates who needed to impress to stay alive.