David Phelps went six innings, giving up two runs on four hits and two walks with three strikeouts as the New York Yankees beat the Boston Red Sox 3-2.
Phelps, who is trying to earn a spot in the starting rotation, faced a lineup close to what the Red Sox will field on Opening Day.
“It was fun, man,” Phelps said. “They put a lot of their regulars out there. I like that because I can see how my stuff’s playing against them. Those guys that have seen me before, I can see how my stuff is. It’s also a little easier because we have a scouting report on these guys. But that’s as close to a real game as I’ve had this spring. It was a good atmosphere with the crowd. It was a good night.”
Clay Buchholz went five innings, giving up three runs on five hits, with three strikeouts for the Red Sox.
Francisco Cervelli led off the second inning with a home run, his fourth of the spring, to give the Yankees a lead.
Red Sox center fielder Grady Sizemore, attempting to make his way back into baseball after being sidelined by injuries for more than two years, played a full nine innings. It was the first time this spring he had played a full game, and his second time playing in back-to-back games. He went 1 for 4 with a run scored. He is batting .360 (9 for 25).
TRAINER’S ROOM:
Yankees: Center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury underwent an MRI Thursday on his ailing right calf, and the exam showed no structural damage. Manager Joe Girardi said he is hopeful Ellsbury, who was scratched from Sunday’s game, could play again over the weekend. If not, then by Tuesday, after Monday’s off-day.
Shortstop Brendan Ryan was scratched shortly before Thursday’s game because of upper back spasms. A team spokesperson said the spasms are unrelated to Ryan’s previous back ailments, which had limited him to nine plate appearances this spring. It is uncertain if he will be ready for opening day.
“I think you have to be, just because of where we are right now,” Girardi said. “I don’t imagine he’ll play before the weekend is over. I would be surprised.
“He hasn’t played much. That’s the problem. He would have to play some next week and it might have to be in some minor-league games just to get him some at-bats.”
Red Sox: Left-hander Craig Breslow, who is being brought along slowly because of last season’s increased workload, is scheduled to throw batting practice for the first time on Friday and pitch in a game for the first time on Monday.
FOR THE RECORD:
The teams combined for just 11 total hits.
Yangervis Solarte went 0 for 3 for New York, and is now batting .455, going 15 for 33.
Chris Leroux, Fred Lewis, and Matt Daley, who earned the save, combined to pitch three scoreless innings, allowing just one hit. Left-hander Chris Capuano relieved Buchholz and went three scoreless innings. In his last two outings he has pitched six scoreless, hitless innings.
“He continues to throw the ball very well,” Farrell said. “He uses all of his pitches. He’s not afraid to throw in on right handers with his fastball. He’s got a good mix to throttle some hitters back and forth with fastball and changeup. He continues to make quality pitches. He’s been very good.”
Before the game the Red Sox optioned right-hander Rubby De La Rosa and infielder Brock Holt to Triple-A Pawtucket and reassigned infielder Brandon Snyder to minor league camp. With the moves, the Red Sox now have 40 players in camp