MLB

Yankees reach for third base solution with Castro, Refsnyder

TAMPA — Starlin Castro has played just 38 games at second base since being shifted from shortstop last year by the Cubs.

The safe play would be to allow Castro, 25, to remain at second during the exhibition-game schedule and continue his development at the position.

However, the Yankees love versatility and have no legitimate backup to third baseman Chase Headley. So, along with Rob Refsnyder, who has little chance of making the 25-man roster, Castro will get a look at third base.

“We are going to look at it, and we are going to work both out there,” Joe Girardi said following the first full-squad workout of spring training Thursday at George M. Steinbrenner Field. “Versatility is important to our club, so let’s see how it goes the next couple of weeks. I will try to give them a heads up and make sure they are comfortable before we put them in a game.”

Since neither player has experience at third, the Yankees will have to teach Castro and Refsnyder in the hope they can play it.

“To play it, we have to teach them,” Girardi said. “What it does is it gives you a lot of versatility. It’s important to us because Headley can’t play 162 games, and Alex isn’t going to play there, so we have to have a backup.”


Closer Aroldis Chapman was excused from the workout for the second time this week in order to tend to a family matter in Miami.

Chapman and the Yankees are waiting on MLB to see whether Chapman will be suspended for being involved in an alleged domestic violence incident last October. He said he plans to appeal any suspension.

“We knew these two days were coming,” Girardi said. “This has been planned.”


Girardi hadn’t reviewed the new slide rule at second base when asked about the change announced Thursday. Girardi said the new 30-second clock for mound visits by pitching coaches and managers was what the average was before.


Ronald Torreyes, an infielder on the 40-man roster who can play second and short, is scheduled to arrive in camp Friday. The Venezuela native had trouble getting a visa.


Pete Kozma, a shortstop with big league experience with the Cardinals and a non-roster invite, is expected to miss two weeks with a lower-back problem that also surfaced last year.


Hideki Matsui arrived in camp Thursday as a guest instructor.