TAMPA — Because the Yankees adjusted their altered environment at George M. Steinbrenner Area on Thursday, Aaron Boone headed to his outdated workplace.
This was not a mistake or occasion of confusion with the Yankees taking part in because the highway staff in their very own spring coaching residence. As an alternative, Boone wanted to ship a present to Rays supervisor Kevin Money that he meant to go away behind in spring coaching: a pleasant bottle of tequila.
“The good stuff,” Boone mentioned when requested what kind.
Boone added that gifting the tequila on Thursday — the day of the primary matchup between the Yankees and Rays at GMS — was “anti-climactic.” Nevertheless, Money appreciated the gesture, in addition to the be aware that Boone left in his/their workplace on the finish of camp.
“He left me a nice note at the beginning of the year,” Money mentioned earlier than playfully pondering if he ought to benefit from the tequila midgame. “They’re very much appreciated.”
Boone mentioned that the items have been meant to function a welcome with the Rays calling GMS their residence this season. Hurricane Milton ravaged Tropicana Area in October, leaving the Rays in dire want of a spot to play.
“Just kind of my house warming gift to [say] like, ‘Hey, take care of the place, good luck in the season,’” Boone mentioned. “’See you soon, enjoy it. Make yourself at home.’”
One factor Boone didn’t go away behind was a microphone.
Requested if he considered bugging Money’s workplace, Boone joked “oh yeah.” Nevertheless, the skipper made certain to say that he did no such factor.
The Rays definitely have made themselves cozy, as Yankees logos all through GMS have been changed with Tampa Bay signage. That features on the concourse and within the residence clubhouse, although the stadium’s seats nonetheless have high hat insignias on them.
The Rays’ promoting companions and meals distributors have additionally taken over GMS. Altogether, the modifications had the Yankees feeling just a bit off as they explored the venue’s visiting clubhouse and went by way of their pregame routines.
“I don’t know if surreal is the right word, but it’s definitely a little bit odd,” Boone mentioned.
Nevertheless, the supervisor additionally mentioned that the Yankees leasing their ballpark to the Rays and permitting them to remain within the space was the “right thing to do.”
“I think this was for the good of baseball, the good of the Rays,” Boone mentioned.
Recovering Vets
DJ LeMahieu (calf), in Tampa, has been taking stay batting follow and dealing within the subject. The plan is for him to play in an prolonged spring coaching recreation this weekend earlier than formally beginning a rehab task, in line with Boone.
The supervisor mentioned it’s potential LeMahieu’s task begins Sunday, although Tuesday is the likelier goal.
Boone additionally mentioned that Giancarlo Stanton (tennis elbows) is with the staff and figuring out in Tampa. Boone wasn’t certain if Stanton deliberate on getting stay at-bats or reps off the high-speed Trajekt machine on the Yankees’ participant improvement advanced throughout the road on Thursday.
Initially Revealed: April 17, 2025 at 6:41 PM EDT
