Yankees See Power, Bird Blows Save
In Yankees' Spring Training, Max Fried struck out 6, Stanton and DeJong homered, but Jake Bird blew a save [https://x.com/i/status/2031464217996325126].
Max Fried, the Yankees' Opening Day starter, pitched four innings, allowing one run on two hits and no walks while striking out six. Despite lower average velocity and spin rates compared to last season, it was a sharper outing than his previous one. A PitchCom issue led to an unusual play where Fried intentionally threw a slow pitch to avoid a pitch clock violation. Giancarlo Stanton hit a 424-foot home run with a 109.5 mph exit velocity. He also singled with a 115.3 mph exit velocity, finishing the day 2-for-3. Paul DeJong homered as well, driving a fastball 375 feet with a 105.9 mph exit velocity. Jake Bird, who is trying to make the Yankees roster, struggled in his outing. He surrendered a two-run double to Konnor Griffin. The Yankees ultimately lost to the Pirates 5-3.
