New York Yankees Spring Training News & Notes 3/21

Brendan Ryan may not be ready for Opening Day due to upper back spasms, hello Dean Anna! Ryan went for tests on the back today and if he is not in a game by Tuesday it is highly unlikely he will break camp with the Yankees.

Adam Warren and Vidal Nuno pitched six innings each yesterday in minor league games. They are keeping their arms stretched out just in case but it looks like both are headed for the bullpen or AAA this season.

Russ Canzler is back in a game for the first time since his hip gave him issues after running into a rail. Canzler had an outside shot at making the team but now seems destined to be the everyday first basemen for the RailRiders.

Ivan Nova threw a bullpen sessions to Austin Romine. Michael Pineda threw a bullpen to Francisco Cervelli. Jim Miller threw a bullpen session to Jose Gil.

Jacoby Ellsbury hit on the field today and took outfield defensive drills, great news. Manager Joe Girardi says that Ellsbury could be in a game as early as Sunday, and if not then Tuesday.

Chad Jennings with the daily assignments:

Today’s second string: C John Ryan Murphy, 1B Russ Canzler, 2B Yangervis Solarte, SS Dean Anna, 3B Zelous Wheeler, LF Zoilo Almonte, CF Antoan Richardson, RF Adonis Garcia

· Today’s scheduled relievers: David Herndon, Matt Thornton, Shawn Kelley and Dave Robertson (with Danny Burawa, Shane Greene and Fred Lewis available if necessary)

· Batting practice groups:
Group 1: Derek Jeter, Brian Roberts, Brian McCann, John Ryan Murphy
Group 2: Carlos Beltran, Brett Gardner, Alfonso Soriano, Ichiro Suzuki
Group 3: Kelly Johnson, Mark Teixeira, Francisco Cervelli, Austin Romine
Group 4: Dean Anna, Russ Canzler, Yangervis Solarte, Zelous Wheeler
Group 5: Zoilo Almonte, Eduardo Nunez, Scott Sizemore, Jose Gil
Group 6: Adonis Garcia, Antoan Richardson, Casey Stevensen, Pete O’Brien

· Tomorrow’s travel squad to Fort Myers:
Pitchers: Danny Burawa, Shane Greene, Fred Lewis, Masahiro Tanaka, Yoshinori Tateyama
Catchers: Francisco Cervelli, Jose Gil
Infielders: Dean Anna, Kelly Johnson, Eduardo Nunez, Scott Sizemore, Yangervis Solarte, Zelous Wheeler
Outfielders: Zoilo Almonte, Adonis Garcia, Brett Gardner, Antoan Richardson
Pitchers from minor league camp: Aaron Dott, Mark Montgomery, Jeremy Bleich, Pat Venditte
Position players from minor league camp: Wes Wilson (C), Raybell Herrera (C), Francisco Arcia (C/1B), Ali Castillo (INF), Carmen Angelini (INF), Mason Williams (OF), Ramon Flores (OF)