Boone not worried about Tulowitzki

Troy Tulowitzki is doing just fine, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone says, despite his slow start at the plate.

Tulowitzki was hitless in three at-bats in a 6-5 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday in Tampa, Fla. The five-time All-Star, who has not played in the major leagues since July 2017, is hitting just .176 (3 for 17) in seven games.

"I'm seeing enough encouraging things out of him," Boone said. "He needs reps now is all."

Tulowitzki missed last season because of surgery on April 2 for bone spurs in his right and left heels. He was released by the Toronto Blue Jays on Dec. 14, then signed with the Yankees on Jan. 4.

Tulowitzki homered on his first at-bat with the Yankees against his old team on Feb. 25. He is replacing Didi Gregorius, who is out until summer following Tommy John surgery.

Center fielder Aaron Hicks, who has been out since experiencing lower back soreness during batting practice March 1, ran, played catch and swung a bat.

"Hopefully on the upswing," Boone said.

Hicks will be evaluated by team doctors Monday.

Mets 9, Cardinals 1

Amed Rosario connected for a three-run homer in his first at-bat for New York since being hit in the left hand by a pitch on Monday. Jeff McNeil and Travis d'Arnaud also homered and Robinson Cano had two hits. Steven Matz pitched four shutout innings in his third start.

Dylan Carlson homered off Mets closer Edwin Diaz.

Yankees (ss) 2, Tigers 2

Miguel Cabrera hit his second spring homer and Detroit starter Matt Moore pitched four shutout innings, striking out six.

Miguel Andujar doubled and singled for New York.

Rays 8, Red Sox 1

Mike Zunino homered and doubled for Tampa Bay. Guillermo Heredia hit two solo home runs and Joey Wendle and Avisail Garcia each connected.

Rick Porcello made his first start for Boston, pitching three innings and allowing two runs and four hits.