TAMPA, Fla. -- Brett Gardner is scheduled to register his first Grapefruit League at-bats of the spring on Wednesday evening, when the Yankees host the Blue Jays at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
Gardner has been behind the rest of the Yankees' position players this spring because of a deep bone bruise in his left wrist, sustained while crashing into the outfield wall during the American League Wild Card Game against the Astros.
"It's been a little while, but I've still been here getting my work in and I feel great," Gardner said. "I'm ready to get some live ABs. I'm excited to get out there in a real game with the defense out there."
Gardner took nine at-bats in a simulated game on Sunday and said that he expects to get three at-bats while playing the outfield against Toronto. Gardner said that the remaining two weeks of Spring Training should give him enough time to be ready for Opening Day.
"I felt good the other day. I wouldn't say midseason form, but I felt like I was ready," Gardner said. "I've been standing in [the batter's box], tracking guys. I think I'm in a good place."
Gardner, 32, batted .259 with 16 homers, 66 RBIs and 20 steals in 151 games for New York last season, setting career highs in hits (148) and RBIs.