Spencer Jones makes his MLB debut and gives Yankees lineup one more 6-foot-7 slugger
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Spencer Jones couldn’t help but notice all the differences as the New York Yankees’ newest slugger walked into the visiting clubhouse before his major league debut Friday. Then he tried putting that out of his mind. “It’s the same game – that’s all everyone’s been telling me,” Jones said before the Yankees' three-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers.
“That’s how I’m going to approach this, and go from there. ” Jones gives the Yankees one more 6-foot-7 outfielder to pair with three-time MVP Aaron Judge. The heralded prospect was called up after Jasson Dominguez sprained the AC joint in his left shoulder while crashing into the wall to make a catch in a 9-2 victory over the Texas Rangers on Thursday.
Jones wore uniform No. 78 and batted sixth as the designated hitter against Milwaukee’s Jacob Misiorowski, Major League Baseball’s hardest-throwing starting pitcher. Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he is willing to play Jones in center field or left on occasion.
Jones couldn’t hide his excitement as he prepared for his debut. He noticed everything from the greater food options to the fancier bathrooms. Yet his teammates also said he had the type of personality that should enable him to make a quick adjustment.
“For such a big and powerful guy, he’s always very relaxed,” catcher/first baseman Ben Rice said. “Say, ‘What’s going on? ’ He’ll say, ‘I’m just cruising.