Soto to make Yankees spring debut Sunday in Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Yankees will get their first look at Juan Soto in the lineup Sunday, when the star slugger is scheduled to make his Grapefruit League debut against the Blue Jays at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

Manager Aaron Boone said that he is planning to start both Soto and Aaron Judge in that 1:05 p.m. ET contest, which will be broadcast on the YES Network and MLB.TV.

“I think it’s going to be fun, it’s going to be great,” Soto said. “Definitely, to be in front of [Judge], I’m going to try to be on the bases as much as I can so he can do his job and drop the hammer to the ball.”

Left-hander Carlos Rodón is scheduled to start that game, which is a split squad for New York. Right-hander Marcus Stroman is set to pitch in the Bombers’ other contest of the afternoon, against the Phillies in Clearwater, Fla.

Soto is also scheduled to play in Monday’s game at home against the Twins, Boone said.

“It’s always interesting around here,” Boone said. “We’re only a couple of days into this, but I love our group; love the potential of it.”

The Yankees open their spring slate Saturday with a road contest against the Tigers in Lakeland, Fla., with right-hander Luis Gil drawing the start.

Boone said that the Yankees’ travel roster for Saturday’s game will feature Anthony Volpe, Trent Grisham, Ben Rortvedt and Oswaldo Cabrera.

“Not a ton of guys, but certainly enough to be representative,” Boone said.