Two hits, two HRs for Jones … and one ends up leaving the ballpark

TAMPA, Fla. -- Commuting on Florida’s highways is no vacation. On any given day, Sunshine State motorists deal with traffic-snarling construction, tropical downpours or Disney World-bound tourists who have no idea which exit to take.

Now drivers must contend with Spencer Jones’ power, too.

The Yankees outfielder blasted his second home run of the spring in Thursday’s 7-3 Grapefruit League victory over the Braves, a drive that traveled out of George M. Steinbrenner Field and came to rest somewhere along Dale Mabry Highway.

“He put a really good swing on that ball,” manager Aaron Boone said. “Obviously, that’s what he’s capable of right there.”

Jones’ seventh-inning blast off right-hander Austin Pope came off the bat at 107 mph and traveled a Statcast-projected 401 feet, though -- much like his first homer of the spring -- it seemed to go further.

After hitting 35 home runs in the Minors last season, Jones recently said he has made changes to his swing, looking to replicate aspects of Shohei Ohtani’s form.

“He’s a great reference of a really good mover with a great swing,” Jones said. “He’s one of those guys that I look at with some of the stuff he does, and I try to apply it in whichever way I can.”

The 24-year-old Jones is 2-for-6 with four strikeouts and a walk so far this spring.

“I feel like he’s put together some good at-bats,” Boone said. “He’s getting a lot of playing time, which is good. He’s a big man that’s made a lot of adjustments, that’s tried to get himself into good positions. Hopefully he can keep building on that.”

Next stop: Puerto Rico

Elmer Rodríguez said he hasn’t pitched on Puerto Rican soil for several years; probably not since participating in a few showcases ahead of the 2021 MLB Draft. He can’t wait for the opportunity to get on a mound there again.

As he prepares to represent Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic, the right-hander said he’s been told to expect a start against Cuba, which would be March 9.

“I’ve always wanted to pitch again in front of my family,” Rodríguez said. “Getting a chance to pitch there in front of all the fans from Puerto Rico who follow me and support me, I’m just trying to go out there and put on a show for them.”

Rated as the Yankees’ No. 3 prospect last year by MLB Pipeline, Rodríguez made his final WBC tune-up on Thursday, allowing two runs and two hits over three innings against Atlanta. He walked one and struck out four, throwing 33 of 53 pitches for strikes.

The Torre story

Hall of Fame manager Joe Torre was back in pinstripes on Thursday, beginning his third consecutive year as a Yankees guest instructor.

“I love having him around,” Boone said. “I get excited when I first see him in street clothes in there. I just like being around him. Guys love seeing him, and as long as he keeps wanting to do it, I’m going to keep on inviting him.”

Torre watched the game alongside Boone near the first-base dugout. Boone said they discussed the old days during the game, but Torre also asked many questions about the current team.

“That’s the beauty of some of these legends coming back,” Boone said. “It’s the history of the game, which I certainly love. But they’re also very interested and curious in our team. It’s great having him here.”

Actor and director John Turturro was also at Steinbrenner Field on Thursday, working on an upcoming feature-length documentary about Torre’s career. The film is being produced by MLB Studios, BD4 and Motto Pictures.

On deck

Luis Gil will make his second start of the spring on Friday as the Yankees travel to visit the Twins in Fort Myers, Fla. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET.