Around the Empire: Yankees news - 3/21/16

NJ.com | Ryan Hatch: The competition for the role of backup catcher is perhaps the most interesting aspect of spring training. The fact that they are in direct competition has not stopped Carlos Corporan from serving as a mentor for Gary Sanchez.

SBNation | Grant Brisbee: There are a lot of players to watch in the AL East this season, with Starlin Castro being the most intriguing for the Yankees. He has had a lot of success in the past, but also has never quite lived up to expectations. A change of scenery could help him this year.

Newsday | Anthony Rieber: Last Thursday, Slade Heathcott missed the bus to an away game and was removed from the lineup for that game. He has apologized to the team and Joe Girardi acknowledged that the matter is closed and that this is not symptomatic of a larger issue.

The Washington Times | Associated Press: Although tests on Jacoby Ellsbury's wrist came back negative, he will not be able to play again until Thursday after being hit by a pitch last week.

ESPN New York | Associated Press: The battle for the fifth rotation spot continues, as Ivan Nova was knocked around for four runs in four and a third innings pitched in his start agains the Twins yesterday.