Sean Boyle pitched three scoreless innings, allowing four hits with two strikeouts and a walk for the New York Yankees during their 4-0 spring training loss to the Detroit Tigers on Sunday.
Boyle, 28, had spent the last six seasons working his way through the Yankees’ minor-league system, posting a career 3.54 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 379 strikeouts, a 30-13 record with four saves in 351.1 innings.
His three-quarters arm angle makes it difficult for hitters to pick up his release point, especially when it comes to his slider. But he pairs it up with a two-seam fastball and if he gets it in on righties, he can be very effective.
Boyle has spent a lot of time in Double-A, but if the Yankees deal with multiple injuries to both their starting rotation and bullpen, he might get a promotion or two if he continues to impress in spring training.
Fernandon Cruz, who the Yankees acquired this winter in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds was roughed up, allowing three runs on three hits and struck out two in three innings of work.
Jasson Dominguez, 22, has struggled in left field both last season and during the start of spring training in 2025. In the top of the third, he lost a fly ball in the sun but due to poor base running from Detroit, the Yankees were able to get the ball in quickly and throw Jahmai Jones out at the plate.
In the top of the fourth, Andy Ibáñez doubled to left center, but it looked like Dominguez took a poor route to the ball. A better route could’ve prevented a run, but instead, the Tigers took a 1-0 lead.
“I want to exhaust the workload in left field right now for Jasson,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “He’s done a really good job…we’ve seen our first two games, not us but the other two teams, misplay a sun-ball, it’s going to happen. His work’s been really good, he’s moving there really well, he’s handling the different balls off the bat – the slice, the spins off balls really well.”
