Around the Empire: Yankees news - 3/17/17

New York Post | Dan Martin: James Kaprielian finally made his spring training debut yesterday and he didn’t disappoint. The Yankees’ “caged bull” tossed two scoreless innings in which he gave up no hits and struck out three. Unfortunately that’s the only spring game he’ll see. After the game, Kaprielian was informed by Girardi and Larry Rothschild that he’d been reassigned to minor league camp. Kaprielian is expected to start in Tampa, but could make his way through the system really quickly.

MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: Canyon of Heroes, get ready. The Yankees are on their way. Just as the Cubs added Aroldis Chapman as the final piece of their World Series puzzle last year, the Yankees have added Ernesto Frieri on a minor league deal with an invitation to major league spring training. Joe Girardi says Frieri has a “legitimate chance to make the roster.” Matt Ferenchick hopes “maybe Frieri can limit the amount of liners, drive-ins and dives he allows.”

MLB.com | Paul Hagen: Luis Cessa certainly didn’t help his case for a rotation spot after yesterday’s outing. Cessa, who gave up three runs in the first, didn’t even make it out of the second inning and ultimately ended his day with four runs given up to the Blue Jays. But the Yankees didn’t go down without a fight. Highlighted by Kaprielian’s debut and a Clint Frazier home run, the Yankees were able to limit the Blue Jays’ damage and power their way to an 11-5 victory. Oh and Rob Refsnyder also hit a home run.

Newsday | David Lennon: If nothing else, Luis Severino should get credit for at least trying to improve his game this year. After spending time with Pedro Martinez over the winter, Severino is now taking advice from Masahiro Tanaka. After his start on March 8th that didn’t go well, Severino sought Tanaka out and he then gave him a less in staying calm and patient on the mound.