TAMPA — While the Yankees have to be concerned about infield and pitching depth, no such worry surrounds the catching situation.
Brian McCann was imported to give the Yankees a legitimate All Star catcher who will take aim at the right-field seats in Yankee Stadium with a left-handed swing.
Squatting behind McCann are Francisco Cervelli, Austin Romine and J.R. Murphy.
All three are held in high regard by Yankees brass but come with questions.
Cervelli, last year’s Opening Day starter, played in 17 games before suffering a fractured right hand that eventually required surgery. He was also suspended for 50 games for being associated with the Biogenesis mess.
Romine, who replaced Cervelli in April last year, missed the final 17 games of the season with his second concussion in as many years.
Murphy split the season between Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre before playing in 16 big league games in September.
Cervelli’s hand is healed, and Romine says it didn’t take long for his head to completely clear.
“A week, which was good because there is nothing worse than waiting around,’’ Romine said of the concussion symptoms going away. “I started lifting and running and there were no problems. The Yankees wanted me to see a doctor before I came [to spring training] and [the doctor] said, ‘Why are you here?’ ’’
There are several scenarios that can play out before Opening Day. Cervelli, who has the most big league experience, could back up McCann or be traded for infield/bullpen depth. If Cervelli, who is out of options, is dealt, Romine likely would be the backup. Murphy, whose improvement as a catcher year by year has impressed the brass, could open the season at Triple-A.