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ESPN | Associated Press: For the first time in more than a century of rivalry, the Yankees and Red Sox will square off on turf during their series in London next month. MLB doesn’t have access to the Olympic Stadium for long enough to lay sod and bring it up before leaving, so the ancient opponents will play on an artificial surface. At least both teams have plenty of experience, as both Toronto and Tampa feature turf fields within the division.
Sporting News | Travis Durkee: The Yankees already lead the AL East, and look to be nearly ready to add back some of the team’s biggest weapons. Didi Gregorius is in extended spring training, while Troy Tulowitzki has taken infield work at both shortstop and third base.
NJ.com | Brandon Kuty: Clint Frazier is gaining a reputation for being a streaky hitter. He had been on a downswing since coming off the injured list, seeing his on-base percentage drop below .300 on the season. A big part of that is a lack of walks, but Yankee manager Aaron Boone has been impressed by his young outfielder’s approach against Baltimore. Working the count better has led to better outcomes, and with two dingers last night, the slump appears to be over.
New York Post | George King III: If April showers bring May flowers, a proper throwing program in May will bring Dellin Betances in June. Betances is in the thick of his recovery, throwing from 60, 90 and 105 feet before being cleared to throw off a mound. Once that happens, the big right-hander is eyeing a return sometime next month.
Last but not least, we have the most 2019 update about Giancarlo Stanton, who was taken out of the lineup before his rehab game with the Tampa Tarpons:
Giancarlo Stanton was scratched from the @TampaTarpons lineup with tightness in his calf/knee, Aaron Boone said. It was the area where he was hit by a pitch earlier in the week. Boone said Stanton might be able to play tomorrow.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) May 22, 2019
Oy. Stanton was hit during a simulated game, and I hope the pitcher who hit him enjoys Gulf Coast League mop-up duty for the next decade. The team may be rolling right now, but every baseball club is better with Giancarlo Stanton on it, and every day that hit-by-pitch delays his return, the worse.