Yankees open spring training in Tampa with pitchers and catchers reporting and position players arriving; veteran Didi Gregorius is working with Anthony Volpe as Volpe rehabs. For bettors: Volpe's uncertain recovery and a shortstop competition could depress Volpe-specific player-prop value and shift futures odds—expect cautious under/over wagers and watch early spring lineups before placing run-line or MVP-linked bets. First exhibition vs. Orioles Friday will offer early clarity.
Yankees Kick Off Spring Training in Tampa
Feb 13, 2026; Tampa, FL — The New York Yankees officially began spring training this week as pitchers and catchers reported and a large contingent of position players arrived. The club will open its exhibition slate Friday against the Baltimore Orioles, giving fans and evaluators the first look at how spring roster battles shape up.
Pitchers and Catchers Report, Position Players Follow
Early Workouts and Conditioning
Pitchers and catchers were first to the complex, logging early bullpen sessions and defensive drills. Several established and fringe position players joined the group soon after, taking part in infield work, batting practice and baseline running. Coaches emphasized conditioning and fundamental repetition after the offseason.
Shortstop Picture: Volpe’s Rehab and Gregorius’ Return
Veteran Presence Helps Young Infielders
Former Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius has been at camp getting work in ahead of the World Baseball Classic and has spent time with Anthony Volpe, who is rehabbing from an injury. The sessions aim to accelerate Volpe’s return to form and refine his defensive footwork and throwing accuracy.
Competition and Roster Implications
Volpe’s rehab timeline will influence the shortstop depth chart this spring. A measured comeback would keep Volpe in the mix but could open opportunities for internal competition and veteran depth should recovery lag.
Social Media Buzz and Fan Engagement
Team and Players Activate Channels
The club and many players used social platforms to mark the start of spring training, sharing workout clips, behind-the-scenes snapshots and light-hearted locker-room content. The franchise also relaunched fan-facing features such as daily questions to keep engagement high.
Light Features and Club Culture
Social posts ranged from training highlights to playful celebrations tied to the calendar — including themed posts for Valentine’s Day and Singles Awareness Day — underscoring the team’s push to blend baseball updates with accessible content for supporters.
Community and Heritage: Black History Month Tribute
Honoring Past Players
The Yankees highlighted the career of Oscar Gamble as part of Black History Month programming, spotlighting his contributions and place in franchise history.
What to Watch Before Opening Exhibition
Key Indicators for the First Game
Keep an eye on lineup choices, bullpen usage, and Volpe’s mobility and arm strength in early drills. Those indicators will offer early evidence of who is trending toward Opening Day roles and which veterans might earn extra innings in camp.
Betting Implications for Punters
Short-Term and Futures Angles
Volpe’s uncertain recovery and the presence of veteran depth make player-prop markets tied to Volpe (hits, steals, RBI) more volatile; bettors may find value fading on Volpe-linked props until his status stabilizes.
Early spring performances will also affect spring-training betting markets and can nudge futures lines for playing-time markets and breakout candidate props.
Exercise caution on bets tied to specific lineup spots until Friday’s exhibition clarifies roles.
Yankees legend weighs possibility of becoming manager: ‘Never going to say never’
Pitchers and catchers reported to spring training this week.
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