TAMPA, Fla. — The George Steinbrenner statue is still out in front of Steinbrenner Field. That was non-negotiable when the Yankees agreed to rent their spring training park out to the Rays this season.
But it was jarring to see so many Rays logos on the walls inside and outside a stadium that is usually a paean to pinstripes.
For Red Sox players, who usually play one game here in spring training, it was a comfortable setting.
The Rays and Yankees worked to expand the footprint of the visitors’ clubhouse. They added a weight room and a large batting cage for the players to get their pregame work done.
They also turned the spring training media lunchroom into a lounge/dining room for the players, complete with a stern-faced guard at the door to make sure no scribes accidentally darkened the door.
“They did a good job,” Sox manager Alex Cora said before a 16-1 loss against the Rays on Monday night. “The cage, especially, they did an amazing job. Very spacious. The weight room is good. So a good facility.”
The Sox players and coaches are curious about how the ballpark will play as the Florida weather gets hotter. Steinbrenner Field has the same dimensions as Yankee Stadium, but no upper deck to block the wind.
There were 36 home runs hit in the first 13 games
The Rays needed a ballpark after Hurricane Milton destroyed the Tropicana Field roof in October and rendered the facility unplayable because of water damage. Major League Baseball brokered a deal between the Rays and Yankees.
Repairs have been approved, but the Trop won’t be ready until next season. Tampa Bay is 8-5 at its new home and sold out every game. Capacity is 10,046.
As you walk into the visitors’ clubhouse at Steinbrenner Field, there is a large photo at the entrance of the Trop’s wrecked roof, a reminder of why games are being played here.
“I like it. It’s nice here,” Sox designated hitter Rafael Devers said. “Baseball is baseball.”
Mild strain for Fitts
Righthander Richard Fitts was diagnosed with a mild strain of a pectoral muscle after getting an MRI in Boston on Monday. He was injured during his start against the White Sox on Saturday.
“It’s not as bad as what we thought,” Cora said. “Obviously, timetable, we don’t know yet. But out of the bad news, this is the best possible result.”
Outside of Garrett Crochet, Fitts has been the best starter in the rotation. He is 0-2 in three starts despite a 3.18 earned run average and 1.12 WHIP.
Return engagements
Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito, and Liam Hendriks will be with Double A Portland in Hartford this week to continue their rehabilitation assignments.
The alternative was staying with Triple A Worcester for its series in Rochester, N.Y., where rain and cold weather is in the forecast.
Giolito is scheduled to start on Tuesday at Dunkin’ Park. The righthander, who was slowed in spring training by a hamstring strain, had made only two minor league starts and will likely need two more before returning.
Wednesday’s game will include Bello and Hendriks, and it should be their final test before being activated off the injured list.
Bello, who dealt with shoulder soreness during spring training, has made three minor league starts and allowed seven earned runs over 9⅔ innings.
Hendriks has made considerable progress since receiving a cortisone shot in his elbow on March 27. He made two scoreless appearances with Worcester and allowed one hit and one walk while striking out four.
Cora said Hendriks is lined up to be activated this weekend. He signed a two-year contract with the Sox on Feb. 20, 2024, and has yet to appear in a major league game.
Campbell extends streak
Kristian Campbell (2 for 3 with a homer) has reached safely in his first 17 MLB games. It’s the second-longest streak in Sox history. George “Boomer” Scott reached in 26 in 1966 … ESPN’s Dick Vitale, a dedicated Rays fan, attended Monday’s game. As was the case at Tropicana Field, he has seats next to the visitors’ dugout.
Peter Abraham can be reached at peter.abraham@globe.com. Follow him on Bluesky at peteabeglobe.bsky.social.