Around the Empire: Yankees news - 3/13/16

ESPN New York | Andrew Marchand: Luis Severino started yesterday's spring training game and pitched three and two-thirds scoreless innings against the Rays. Afterwards, Joe Girardi compared Severino's calmness and poise to that of his old teammate Greg Maddux.

New York Post | Joel Sherman: Last year Didi Gregorius had the difficult task of taking over the role of shortstop after Derek Jeter retired. For the first month or so, he struggled both offensively and defensively, but he has made great strides since then.

NY Daily News | Mark Feinsand: Masahiro Tanaka had offseason elbow surgery to remove a bone spur from his elbow but he is still on track to start the season healthy. His spring training starts have gone well, and if things go according to plan he would likely be the Yankees' starter come Opening Day.

LoHud Yankees Blog | Chad Jennings: The vice president of player development, Gary Denbo, praised Gary Sanchez for maturing over the past year; Dustin Ackley was scratched from yesterday's game with a tight quad muscle.