TAMPA — It’s not hard to see that barring an injury, playing time for Ichiro Suzuki is going to be limited. It’s also easy to understand Ichiro is more valuable as a trade chip than anything else.
With Brett Gardner, Jacoby Ellsbury, Carlos Beltran and Alfonso Soriano guaranteed spots, Ichiro would be the Yankees’ fifth outfielder and possibly an occasional DH.
When the Tigers lost left-handed left fielder Andy Dirks for three months due to back surgery, Ichiro’s name surfaced as a possible replacement via trade.
The Tigers, however, have options, because the Rays are willing to listen to offers for Matt Joyce, a left-handed hitting outfielder who started his career in Detroit.
The Phillies also could be in the market for an outfielder.
Considering the 40-year-old Ichiro will make $6.5 million and doesn’t fit in their plans, the Yankees would likely listen to offers.
CC Sabathia starts Tuesday against the Nationals in Viera, Fla. Also making the long trip are Brian McCann, Mark Teixeira, Ellsbury and Gardner.
Infielder Brendan Ryan will go through drills Tuesday to see if his lower back pain has subsided. If Ryan’s condition improves, there’s chance he could play Wednesday, although manager Joe Girardi wasn’t sure of that Sunday. Ryan hasn’t played since March 4.
When camp opened, there was a belief in some corners of the Yankees’ decision-making process Jose Ramirez could provide relief help, thanks to an above-average fastball and tantalizing changeup. But he suffered an oblique injury warming up in the first game and was optioned Sunday to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
While the Yankees’ scouts are looking for bullpen help, Dellin Betances and Fred Lewis have worked their way into the conversation with solid springs.
The right-handed Betances and the left-handed Lewis are scheduled to make the trip to Viera Tuesday and face Washington.
Betances we know. Come June, the Brooklyn’s Grand Street Campus High School product will mark his eighth year in the organization. The 6-foot-8, 260-pounder has battled control problems throughout his career that have overshadowed a plus fastball. He was a September call-up in 2011 and 2013, and has appeared in eight big league games.
Lewis isn’t as familiar. Taken in the 47th round of the 2010 draft out of Tennessee Wesleyan, the 27-year-old has a live arm and has been throwing strikes in exhibition games. He pitched at Single-A, Double-A and Triple-A last year.
Some believe he has a chance to be Girardi’s second lefty in the bullpen ahead of Cesar Cabral, whose control issues offset a filthy slider.
In four games, Lewis has worked 4 ¹/₃ innings, given up two hits, walked one and fanned four.
“If your righties get lefties out it’s not that important,’’ Girardi said of having two lefty relievers. “If your lefties can’t get righties out, it kind of limits what you can do. You have to see how it breaks down.’’
Betances’ chances of making the club likely hinge on whether the Yankees acquire a reliever before Opening Day. He has one option remaining.
Asked if Betances has enough to get lefties out, Girardi pointed to the large right-hander’s off-speed pitches.
“He has a good curveball he can use and a changeup he can use,” Girardi said. “Time will tell. He is doing what he has to do to get himself an opportunity.’’
Betances, 27 later this month, has worked 6 ¹/₃ innings in four appearances. He has allowed two hits, two walks and five strikeouts.
“I feel good with the way my off-speed is,’’ Betances said. “I’m throwing them for strikes and it’s been working for me. I’m just trying to better myself each outing.”