LAKELAND, Fla. -- The Yankees voiced high expectations for Corey Kluber entering this spring, well-versed in the former ace’s intensely competitive demeanor and encouraged by his physical health. They have not been disappointed.

Kluber lacked his sharp control on Tuesday, yet limited the Tigers to an unearned run and three hits over 3 2/3 innings in the Yankees’ 5-5 Grapefruit League tie at Publix Field. Kluber issued three walks and struck out four in the effort, minimizing damage while tossing 39 of 71 pitches for strikes.

“I've kind of gone through a normal progression to this point, as far as building up,” Kluber said. “I would have liked to have commanded a little bit better today, but as far as physically and the progression of pitch count -- I got the work in that I needed to, which is good.”

Though his pitches moved well, Kluber said that he spent part of Tuesday’s outing searching for a comfort level on the mound, which has been a rarity for him this spring.

Manager Aaron Boone said that Kluber came into camp ready to go, which the Yankees expected based upon a glowing recommendation from Eric Cressey, the club’s director of player performance. Cressey’s firsthand reports on Kluber’s preparation had Boone “optimistic and excited” about what Kluber could add to the rotation.

“We’ve got a long way to go, but to this point, he's been everything we could have hoped for,” Boone said. “Physically, he's bounced back really well. He's responded to everything really well. I feel like he's throwing the ball well, the stuff is crisp. I feel like he's in a really good spot.”

Gio Urshela, who played behind Kluber during his best seasons with the Indians, said that the present iteration of the right-hander has not changed visibly from their days in Cleveland.

“He's the same guy; very focused when he goes to pitch,” Urshela said. “He's trying to be the best he can be. It's the same Kluber: a really good pitcher, good person. He always wants to win.”

Back to ‘scary’
Gary Sánchez leads the Yankees with three home runs this spring, but the catcher’s bat cooled after a torrid start. Sánchez is hitting .176 (6-for-34) with four RBIs in Grapefruit League play, having struck out 14 times against two walks. Boone said that he believes Sánchez is close to finding his timing and locking in for the April 1 season opener.

“Some pitches that he should put in play with authority, they’ve ended up on the net, fouled straight back,” Boone said. “With pitchers being as good as they are and as powerful as they are, when you get a pitch that you can put in play with authority, you’ve got to take advantage of it.”

Boone believes that Sánchez struggled early last season with chasing pitches out of the strike zone, but that he did a better job of swinging at strikes near the end of the year -- something that Boone said has carried over into this spring.

“I feel really good with my balance and timing,” Sánchez said through a translator. “The last couple of games, I feel like there's been a couple of adjustments that I wanted to make with my balance. I'm working on that right now, and I think the adjustments I'm making now will definitely pay dividends in the future.”

Hot in here
Nick Nelson allowed his first run of the spring on Tuesday, but the right-hander struck out three against one walk over 2 1/3 innings, continuing to bolster his case for a spot in the bullpen.

Boone said that Nelson’s high-90s fastball and good changeup are already good enough to consistently retire big league hitters, and Nelson is continuing to see improvement as he develops a breaking ball.

“He's been a guy that pushed his way into the conversation last year after Summer Camp, getting some time in the big leagues and then finishing with us in the playoffs,” Boone said. “He's continued that development over the winter. He came into camp ready to go and has thrown the ball really well. He’s a guy that is pitching with a lot of confidence, and rightfully so.”

Applications open
The Yankees, New York City Schools chancellor Meisha Porter and The Stonewall Inn announced on Tuesday that applications are open for the 2021 Yankees-Stonewall Scholarships.

Now in its third year, these $10,000 college scholarships celebrate the achievements of New York City public school graduating seniors who have demonstrated strong academic achievement and impactful support of the LGBTQ community.

All New York City public school seniors are eligible to apply at www.schools.nyc.gov/lgbtq. Applications will close on April 30, and one student from each borough will be selected.

Bombers bits
Left-hander Justin Wilson was scheduled for a 2 p.m. ET MRI on Tuesday. Wilson exited his appearance in Monday’s game with tightness in his left shoulder.

Up next
Deivi García is set to make his fifth start of the spring on Wednesday as the Yankees host the Blue Jays in a 1:05 p.m. ET exhibition at George M. Steinbrenner Field. García has pitched to a 1.64 ERA in 11 spring innings as he contends for a rotation spot. The game can be seen on YES Network.