TAMPA, FL — The New York Yankees split their squad Thursday across two Grapefruit League matchups, delivering a dramatic 5-4 walk-off win over the Baltimore Orioles in Tampa while falling 11-0 to the Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin.
The day’s biggest takeaway came from a familiar source—Giancarlo Stanton—whose power display continues to trend upward as Opening Day approaches.
Giancarlo Stanton’s preparation for the 2026 regular season continues to trend in upward direction day by day during Yankees camp – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
Stanton launched his fourth home run of the spring in the sixth inning off Orioles reliever Yennier Canó, driving a 100.1 mph sinker 340 feet the opposite way to right field. The blast cut Baltimore’s lead to one and helped fuel a late comeback that ended in a Yankees walk-off victory.
For Stanton, the moment carried added significance. The veteran slugger has been managing chronic tennis elbow in both arms since 2024, an issue that still impacts his day-to-day strength.
Despite managing chronic tennis elbow in both arms, Giancarlo Stanton recorded 24 home runs in 77 games last season and has 51 dating back to the start of 2024 – Image Credit Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
Despite that, the 36-year-old appears on track to be ready for the Yankees’ March 25 opener.
Earlier in the game, Max Fried made his final tune-up before his expected Opening Day start in San Francisco. The 32-year-old left-hander allowed three earned runs over five innings, including a two-run home run by Baltimore’s Coby Mayo, who continued his strong spring showing.
The Yankees announced this week that Max Fried will be the franchise’s Opening Day starter vs. the Giants next Wednesday in San Francisco Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
While the major league roster continues to take shape, one of the most talked-about arms in Yankees camp will begin the season in the minors. Right-hander Carlos Lagrange was reassigned to minor league camp despite a dominant spring. The 22-year-old hailing from Bayaguana, Dominican Republic posted a 0.66 ERA with 13 strikeouts in 13.2 innings this spring while averaging over 100 mph on his fastball and touching 103.1 mph.
“Coming into this, I wouldn’t have even thought there was a decision,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “He’s definitely got everyone’s attention.”
Lagrange, who has yet to pitch above Double-A, is expected to continue his development in Triple-A, though his electric arsenal has already drawn attention inside the clubhouse.
“I’ve never seen velocity like that consistently,” Fried said. “He’ll definitely impact this team.”
In Dunedin, the Yankees’ other split squad endured a far different outcome. Toronto’s offense erupted for 11 runs, highlighted by a George Springer grand slam and a home run from Daulton Varsho.
Left-hander Ryan Weathers struggled in his final spring outing, allowing seven runs on eight hits over three innings. Despite the results, the Yankees remain confident in the 24-year-old southpaw, pointing to strong underlying metrics and his 17-to-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio this spring.
In Thursday’s postgame, Aaron Boone spoke highly on the progress made by Carlos Lagrange and Ryan Weathers in Yankees camp – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
“He’s healthy and the stuff is in line with where it needs to be,” Boone said. “I don’t put a lot of stock in numbers in spring.”
As the Yankees inch closer to Opening Day, Thursday’s split-squad slate offered a snapshot of both present production and future promise.
Follow us on Social Media for updates and exclusive content
Instagram: @latinosportsoficial
Facebook: Latino Sports
Twitter: @latinosports
