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PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — In a perfect world, the Yankees would not have any bullpen spots up for grabs this spring because their top eight relievers were healthy.
In reality, it is looking like there are at least two jobs to be won over the final 10 days of camp.
The Yankees appear to have six locks for the bullpen: Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, Tim Hill, Fernando Cruz, Ian Hamilton and Mark Leiter Jr.
The last two names on that list bear some watching; Hamilton missed some time earlier this spring dealing with an infection and has yet to pitch in a game, though he should still have enough time to be ready.
Leiter, meanwhile, has not thrown in a Grapefruit League game since March 6.
He was supposed to pitch on Thursday against the Tigers, but felt something in his back, so the Yankees decided to play it safe and hold him out.
The righty is now scheduled to throw live batting practice on Sunday.
“It wasn’t anything huge, I think he just wanted to be safe with it,” manager Aaron Boone said Saturday after a 7-7 tie with the Rays at Charlotte Sports Park.
The Yankees are already dealing with injuries to Scott Effross (hamstring strain), Jake Cousins (forearm strain) and Tyler Matzek (oblique strain) — the latter a non-roster invitee who looked like a prime candidate to break camp with the team — plus Jonathan Loáisiga building back from elbow surgery and likely being out until late May or early June.
Those setbacks have opened the door for others to take advantage, with Yoendrys Gómez (who is out of minor league options and has seen his velocity tick up in a relief role this spring), Yerry De Los Santos (on the 40-man roster) and non-roster invitees Geoff Hartlieb and Colten Brewer among those in consideration.
Despite a rough outing on Saturday, Hartlieb in particular has opened some eyes this spring as an arm that could help the Yankees.
The 31-year-old right-hander has pitched to a 7.37 ERA across parts of five seasons with the Pirates, Mets, Marlins and Rockies, but has flashed more potential this spring.
“Really good,” Boone said before Hartlieb walked three and gave up two hits in two-thirds of an inning. “Command, stuff, pitchability. He’s been as much as anyone somebody that’s had a great camp and jumped out to me.”
Jasson Domínguez’s bat continued to heat up on Saturday as the left fielder smoked an RBI triple to the gap and later added an RBI single through the left side.
Oswaldo Cabrera started in right field Saturday as the Yankees continue to move him around to keep his versatility in play while he battles for the starting third base job.
Carlos Rodón threw live batting practice back in Tampa on Saturday, continuing his buildup toward his Opening Day start.
Cam Schlittler (Pirates) and Brandon Leibrandt (Rays) will start split-squad games on Sunday, with Clarke Schmidt set to pitch Monday against the Blue Jays and Max Fried on Tuesday against the Red Sox.
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