Yankees, Marlins warm up, but finale rained out

TAMPA, Fla. -- Saturday's Grapefruit League finale between the Yankees and the Marlins at George M. Steinbrenner Field was cancelled due to rain.

Both teams warmed up for the contest, which was scheduled to have Yankees right-hander Ivan Nova face Marlins right-hander Tom Koehler before both clubs prepare to begin their respective regular seasons.

"We just didn't want to mess around; what's the point?" said Marlins manager Mike Redmond, whose shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria was back in the lineup after missing four games with a groin strain.

The tarp was on the field for a pregame ceremony in which Yankees hurler Masahiro Tanaka was presented with the 2014 James P. Dawson Award, given to the top rookie in camp as voted upon by the Yankees' beat writers.

Skies appeared to be clearing before an on-field presentation honoring Derek Jeter, who was presented with the key to the city of Tampa, but a downpour prompted the cancellation of the game about 10 minutes after the scheduled first pitch.

"It was pouring out," Jeter said. "They were laughing at the video from my rookie ball season; I was a little skinnier. A lot of guys were laughing at that. Unfortunately it was kind of quick because of the weather."

The Yankees will travel to Houston to open the regular season against the Astros on Tuesday. The Marlins will have their Opening Day on Monday night against the Rockies in Miami.

Saturday's game will not be rescheduled, but tickets can be refunded.