Yankees Hold Back Stars as Spring Training Begins

Judge, Stanton, Cabrera among key players not in early Grapefruit League action

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The New York Yankees are taking a cautious approach with several of their star players as spring training gets underway. Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Oswaldo Cabrera are being held out of early Grapefruit League games for various reasons, including managing injuries and preparing for the World Baseball Classic. Meanwhile, the team's top pitching prospect, Elmer Rodriguez, made his spring debut in the opener against the Orioles.

Why it matters

The Yankees are being prudent with their key players' health and preparation, prioritizing their availability for the regular season and international competition over early exhibition games. This approach reflects the team's long-term focus and desire to have their stars at full strength when it matters most.

The details

Aaron Judge, the Yankees' captain and reigning AL MVP, will make his spring debut on Saturday against the Tigers. First baseman Paul Goldschmidt is also being held out early to prepare for the WBC. Giancarlo Stanton is managing chronic elbow pain and has no timetable for his spring debut, while Oswaldo Cabrera is still working his way back from a fractured left ankle. Pitcher Cam Schlittler, who had a strong postseason debut last year, is also being brought along slowly after reporting mid-back inflammation.

  • The Yankees' Grapefruit League opener was on Friday, February 20, 2026.
  • Aaron Judge is scheduled to make his spring debut on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
  • Judge is scheduled to serve as the designated hitter on Sunday, February 22, 2026 against the Mets.

The players

Aaron Judge

The Yankees' captain and reigning AL MVP, who is being held out of early spring training games to prepare for the World Baseball Classic.

Giancarlo Stanton

The Yankees' designated hitter who is managing chronic elbow pain and has no timetable for his spring debut.

Oswaldo Cabrera

The Yankees' outfielder who is close to full health after fracturing his left ankle last May, but has not yet been cleared to run at full speed.

Cam Schlittler

The 25-year-old right-handed pitcher who had a strong postseason debut last year, but is being brought along slowly after reporting mid-back inflammation.

Elmer Rodriguez

The Yankees' No. 4 pitching prospect according to MLB Pipeline, who made his spring debut in the opener against the Orioles.

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What they’re saying

“I don't want to speak out of turn yet. I don't know as far as exhibitions because sometimes we'll get to a spot and it may be a live or he's in the game.”

— Aaron Boone, Manager (pinstripesnation.com)

“I think he's got a chance to be a starting pitcher in this league for a long time. That's how he profiles to me and everything I hear about him. I'm excited to see him go. I think he's got a really bright future.”

— Aaron Boone, Manager (pinstripesnation.com)

What’s next

The Yankees will open their home schedule on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 1:05 p.m. against the Tigers, when Aaron Judge is scheduled to make his spring debut.

The takeaway

The Yankees are taking a measured approach with their star players' health and preparation, prioritizing their availability for the regular season and international competition over early exhibition games. This prudent strategy reflects the team's long-term focus and desire to have their core players at full strength when it matters most.