LAKELAND, Fla. — Gary Sanchez hit second Saturday against the Tigers, and there is a possibility the catcher could find himself in that spot when the games count.
Nevertheless, on Saturday, it was more about Sanchez getting additional at-bats than preparing for the No. 2 spot.
“I wouldn’t make too much of it right now,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. “I am going to look at everything.”
Based on what Sanchez did in the final two months of last season, the argument could be made the 24-year-old is the Yankees’ best hitter. If that is the case, Girardi isn’t likely to hit him second.
“In the first inning, I would prefer to have two guys in front of the best hitter,” Girardi said without mentioning Sanchez by name.
Sanchez was the Yankees’ best hitter Saturday at Publix Field, where he crushed a towering two-run homer in an 11-1 victory. Sanchez also threw from his knees to nail the speedy Anthony Gose trying to swipe second.
“I was in awe, to be honest with you,” Dellin Betances said of Sanchez’s laser-like throw.
Former catcher Joe Girardi said Sanchez is a fraternity of one when it comes to that play.
“It was unbelievable,” Girardi said. “I am not sure there is anyone else who makes that throw.”
As for hitting second, Sanchez would like it, but the other eight spots are OK, too.
“I feel fine wherever they put me,” said Sanchez, who batted third 40 times last year, seventh seven times, sixth in three games, second in eight and in the fourth spot once. “Wherever the manager puts me, I am fine.”
Last year Girardi used Jacoby Ellsbury and Brett Gardner in the first two spots. Ellsbury batted first in 81 games and second in 57. Gardner led off 80 times and was second 58 times.
Betances leaves Sunday to join the Dominican Republic team ahead of the World Baseball Classic. On Saturday, he worked an inning in his second spring-training appearance, and his offseason work on holding runners paid off.
“Last year was all my fault,” said Betances, who rarely threw to first base with a runner on. “I worked on it three times a week in the Dominican Republic. I feel good throwing, something I never did. The last couple of years, I don’t think I threw to first. It’s something that keeps them honest.”
In one inning, Betances allowed a hit and a walk.
Chad Green is one of five hurlers competing for two spots in the rotation and didn’t help himself by giving up three hits, a walk and a run in 1 ²/₃ innings.
Signed to a minor league contract after camp opened and coming back from right knee surgery, Jon Niese hasn’t pitched in a game yet.
“His next step is a simulated game,’’ said Girardi, who will look at the former Met as more than a left-handed specialist in the bullpen.
When Aroldis Chapman was dealt to the Cubs in July, shortstop Gleyber Torres was the main piece the Yankees got back. Included in the deal was outfielder Billy McKinney, and he is opening eyes with his bat. McKinney went 1-for-2 with a double in Saturday’s 11-1 win over the Tigers. The left-handed hitter is 4-for-7 with two homers and five RBIs in seven games.
The Post discovered Luis Severino missed the team bus Friday from Tampa to Dunedin, Fla., where he started the game against the Blue Jays. There is more to pitching in the big leagues than throwing fastballs 99 mph, and making the bus is among the basic things.
UPDATE, March 6: The Post regrets its error here: Severino was given permission to travel by car from Tampa to Dunedin.
Aaron Hicks hit a towering home run in the fourth inning from the left side. Hicks is competing with Aaron Judge for the starting right-field job and started the game with two hits in 12 at-bats.