For Raul Ibanez, the end of Spring Training has become a serious matter. After having an abysmal beginning to the Spring, Ibanez knew that he had to pick up the pace, or he just might lose his DH role.

Tonight Ibanez played left field while Curtis Granderson was eased back into the lineup as the DH, a move that won’t happen as much during the regular season. But in his left field Spring Training debut for the Yankees, Raul Ibanez had a good day at the plate, going 2 for 3 with a HR, his second of the Spring.

David Phelps had the start for the Yankees tonight and did well vs. the Orioles going 5 innings giving up 3 runs (2 earned) on 7 hits without walking a batter. Mariano Rivera pitched a scoreless 6th inning, Boone Logan pitched to 2 batters (he got them both) and D.J. Mitchell made a relief appearance tonight going 2 and a third innings all while giving up 1 run.

THE GOOD: Raul Ibanez had a good evening at the plate going 2 for 3 with 1 HR. Mark Teixeira, Brett Gardner, Curtis Granderson, Alex Rodriguez & Eduardo Nunez all had 1 hit apiece. Of course we have to mention Mariano Rivera here, who has went 28 straight innings without giving up a run (this dates all the way back to 2008).

THE BAD: Derek Jeter went 0 for 4 while Francisco Cervelli went 0 for 2. Defense was also an issue today as Alex Rodriguez had an E-5 and Derek Jeter had an E-6. Rodriguez’s error allowed a run to score.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Philadelphia Phillies will take the 20 minute ride to Tampa to face Michael Pineda & the New York Yankees. The game will start at 7:05pm on YES Network. Pineda will take on a pitcher fighting for a spot in the Phillies rotation, Michael Stutes.