Play Ball! Spring Training Game 1: Yankees vs. Phillies

The Yankees kick off the Spring schedule with the first of three consecutive games against the Philadelphia Phillies. Ivan Nova will make the start, and if you believe Joe Girardi, he could be pitching for his spot in the rotation. In reality, Nova will just be shaking off the rust as he faces live action for the first time since suffering a forearm injury during the ALDS. Also expected to pitch in today's game are Manny Banuelos, Dellin Betances, and rule V draftee Cesar Cabral, who will competing to be a lefty specialist, one of the few spots open on the 25-man roster.

Yankees' batters will have the opportunity to face Cole Hamels, and included in the lineup is his former teammate Raul Ibanez, who will start at DH against the lefthander. I am sure there are many Yankees' fans who hope Hamels will be in navy blue pinstripes this time next spring. Mark Teixeira, Robinson Cano, Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter did not travel to Clearwater, but are expected to make their spring debuts when the two teams meet again tomorrow in Tampa.

The game is being broadcast nationally on the MLB Network, regionally in Philadelphia on Comcast, and via the internet at MLB.TV. The lineups follow the jump.

New York Yankees

1. Brett Gardner - LF
2. Curtis Granderson - CF
3. Nick Swisher - RF
4. Raul Ibanez - DH
5. Eric Chavez - 1B
6. Russell Martin - C
7. Eduardo Nunez - SS
8. Bill Hall - 2B
9. Jayson Nix - 3B

Ivan Nova - P

Philadelphia Phillies

1. Jimmy Rollins - SS
2. Shane Victorino - CF
3. Hunter Pence - RF
4. Jim Thome - DH
5. Ty Wigginton - 3B
6. John Mayberry Jr. - 1B
7. Domonic Brown - LF
8. Erik Kratz - C
9. Michael Martinez - 2B

Cole Hamels - P