Sewage issues at Steinbrenner Field alter Yankees’ practice plans
TAMPA – Pungent sewage had the Yankees flowing across the street on Sunday morning, as the drainage issues that flooded parts of George M. Steinbrenner Field the previous day forced the Bombers to hold pregame workouts at their Himes player development complex before hosting the Mets.
The Sunday exhibition game took place at Steinbrenner Field as planned hours later. However, the Yankees had to spend the morning at Himes because wastewater seeped into sections of their clubhouse at GMS on Saturday. Other parts of the ballpark, including the exterior concourse and entrances, were also impacted by the filthy leaks, which stunk to high heaven.
George M. Steinbrenner Field had a sewage leak that caused a foul scene during Yankees spring opener on Saturday. (Gary Phillips/New York Daily News)
On Sunday, Aaron Boone said it was “really bad” in some “sensitive areas” inside the Yankees’ clubhouse, but not to the extent that they had to rip up carpet, lockers and equipment. He added that while some issues still have to be resolved, day-to-day operations should be “normal” moving forward, including the use of clubhouse showers following Sunday’s game.
“I was surprised at how much they were able to kind of get things cleaned up and sanitized,” Boone said. “Credit to a lot of people who put in a lot of hours overnight and this morning. So hopefully we’re in a good position moving forward. We’ve probably got some longer-term things that gotta get fixed, but we should be in a good spot.”
With the Yankees still cleaning up their facilities on Sunday morning, the team took batting practice, worked on infield and outfield defense and shagged flyballs, among other baseball activities, at Himes. Former Yankee Bucky Dent, in camp as a guest instructor, was there to tutor Yankees infielders, including Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Anthony Volpe.
Luis Gil, meanwhile, warmed up at Steinbrenner Field before starting against the Mets.
“Everyone handled it really well,” Boone said. “From staff to all the people behind the scenes, but then the players walking through it with a smile, with an energy, no complaining. I thought we got really good work in over there, so I’m happy with that, and it looks like we’re moving in a good direction now.”
Aaron Judge taking BP at Himes #Yankees pic.twitter.com/dN3vWCQBW7
— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) February 22, 2026
Rice Almost Ready
Boone said that Ben Rice will make his spring debut on Monday against the Pirates. The first baseman/catcher had been delayed getting into games after dealing with a cranky neck earlier this spring.
And What About Stanton?
Boone also said that Giancarlo Stanton is expected to make his spring debut right before or after the Yankees’ off day on March 2. The Yankees have traditionally taken their time getting the oft-injured designated hitter, who has lingering tennis elbows, into spring training games.
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