ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — With the New York Yankees off on Sunday, several players chose to continue preparations for Game 2 of the American League Division Series by working out at their spring training facility in Tampa rather than at Tropicana Field, where the game is scheduled for Monday night.

Manager Aaron Boone explained that while Tropicana Field presents a unique playing environment, the Yankees preferred utilizing George M. Steinbrenner Field for practice. The facility offers comprehensive amenities such as training equipment, recovery modalities, multiple practice fields, and access to a Trajekt pitching machine—a sophisticated device that replicates major league pitchers’ deliveries with precise spin, velocity, and trajectory. Boone noted that the Trajekt machine is not available to visiting teams during games at regular MLB stadiums, providing the Yankees with a distinct advantage in familiarizing themselves with the pitching of Rays right-hander Freddy Peralta ahead of their next matchup.

Aaron Judge, who is recovering from a right calf strain, participated in the Sunday workout as part of his rehabilitation process and is aiming to be ready for the potential American League Championship Series roster. Boone reported that Judge resumed running after resting the previous day and expected the outfielder to take live batting practice, describing the day as an important step in continuing his recovery.

The Yankees are still deliberating their pitching rotations for Games 3 and 4 of the series, with decisions pending on how to deploy left-handers Max Fried and Carlos Rodón. Rodón recently completed a 60-pitch, four-inning live batting practice session at Yankee Stadium. Boone indicated the team is evaluating whether to have Rodón throw an additional bullpen workout between starts or use him as a relief option in the upcoming games.

Boone also addressed criticism regarding the timing of Giancarlo Stanton’s first at-bat in the postseason, which came only in the ninth inning of Game 1 after a lengthy absence from game action. Boone dismissed the notion that Stanton should have received earlier playing time when the two wild-card games became uncompetitive, emphasizing the intensity and stakes of playoff baseball. "Big G is ready to go," Boone said. "There’s no courtesy at-bats this time of year."

The Yankees aim to leverage their preparation at Steinbrenner Field and their ongoing player readiness as they seek to advance deeper into the postseason against the Tampa Bay Rays.