TAMPA, Fla. -- New York Yankees reliever Dellin Betances faced hitters for the first time in almost three months, throwing 20 pitches to minor leaguers in a simulated game Wednesday.
Betances has not pitched in a game since March 17, his fourth and final spring training appearance, because of a right shoulder impingement.
"It felt good," Betances said. "Nice to face hitters. It's been a while. Nice to be out there again and not feel what I was feeling last time. I think that's a positive."
Betances expects to throw a bullpen session in a couple of days and then face hitters again.
Slugger Giancarlo Stanton, sidelined since March 31, progressed to an extended spring training intrasquad game and went 1-for-5. Stanton didn't run out of the batters' box in any of his at-bats. He had nine plate appearances in a simulated game Tuesday.
Stanton originally strained his left biceps then his left shoulder. He played in one game for Class A Tampa on May 20 then was told to rest because of left calf tightness.