THE GOOD & THE "DON'T PANIC" OF TODAY'S YANKEE GAME

There was a mix of good and bad news in today’s Yankees game. On the bright side, Spencer Jones stole the show. What a talent, right?

Jones crushed an opposite-field home run, showcasing his raw power. “Just trying to get in position to hit it hard, looking in that area of the zone and got the pitch I wanted,’’ Jones said.

SPENCER SMASH.

SPENCER JONES LAUNCHES THE FIRST HOME RUN OF THE YEAR FOR THE YANKEES, 104.5 MPH OFF THE BAT🔥#Yankees pic.twitter.com/DMdp4rihtq

— Fireside Yankees (@FiresideYankees) February 22, 2025

With a stacked outfield featuring Jasson Domínguez, Cody Bellinger, and Aaron Judge, breaking into the MLB roster in 2025 won’t be easy for Jones. However, Giancarlo Stanton’s lingering elbow issues have landed him on the IL, leaving the designated hitter spot wide open. If Jones shines in spring training, he could earn a spot in Triple-A to start the season. From there, it’s all about building momentum and making a strong case for a call-up. His performance in Tampa is a fantastic start, and his powerful swing could absolutely translate to the big-league level.

Dustin Satloff/Getty Images

On the flip side, Carlos Rodón had a bit of a rough outing. But hey, it’s spring training—I’m willing to cut him some slack, especially this early in the preseason. Rodón allowed three runs over 2.2 innings, giving up five hits and a walk while managing just one strikeout. The Yankees ultimately lost to the Toronto Blue Jays 6-4.

The silver lining? Rodón worked on incorporating his changeup more, which is important considering he usually relies heavily on his fastball-slider combo. While this performance isn’t a major concern, Yankees fans are eager to see Rodón dominate in pinstripes. We want him strong, consistent, and racking up wins as the season progresses.

We don't normally do came recaps, but with the Spencer Jones news, I felt it necessary.  More to come.