Trent Grisham makes return from injury with path to expanded Yankees role now open

Trent Grisham arrived at spring training behind most of his teammates because of a hamstring strain, but made good time in catching up.

Grisham made his Grapefruit League debut on Monday night in center field, after missing just over a week of games while rehabbing the injury he sustained while ramping up for camp.

He went 0-for-1 with a pair of walks and made a nice running catch into the gap for the first out of the game.

“He’s had a good couple weeks since he got here,” manager Aaron Boone said before a 12-3 exhibition win over the Pirates. “He did it a couple weeks before he got down here. I know our trainers and strength and conditioning guys were a little surprised at how far ahead he was in his recovery. Even talking to Grish, he said he’s had hamstrings in the past and he felt like his recovery from this one was as good as ever.”

Trent Grisham tracks a fly ball during the Yankees’ spring training game March 3.

Grisham got up to running at 100 percent a few days ago and responded well, giving him the green light to start playing games.

In the meantime, he got a steady dose of at-bats in live batting practice on backfields over the past week-plus.

General manager Brian Cashman said last month that when he acquired Grisham (as part of the Juan Soto trade), he thought the two-time Gold Glove winner would play more.

Trent Grisham participates in batting practice for the Yankees on Feb. 18.

Instead, the Yankees’ starting outfield last year stayed healthy all season, limiting Grisham to just 52 starts and 76 games.

But Grisham could play an increased role this season, especially to start the year with Giancarlo Stanton on the IL.

That could mean more DH days for Aaron Judge, which would slide Cody Bellinger from center to right field and Grisham into the lineup in center.

Devin Williams will make his Grapefruit League debut on Tuesday when the Yankees visit the Phillies in Clearwater, Fla.

The Yankees’ new closer has been throwing live batting practices on the backfields but will now get his first game action after being acquired from the Brewers in December.

Devin Williams throws during a live batting practice with the Yankees on Feb. 26.

Only a few members of the Yankees’ projected bullpen have gotten into games so far this spring, with Boone indicating they will be deliberate with certain relievers.

“We don’t put a huge stock on them getting into a lot of games, some of our established relievers,” Boone said. “Some we will. But as long as they’re getting their work in lives, as long as we build them to that back-to-back capability. No rush with a few of the guys.”

Dom Smith went 2-for-4 with four RBIs on Monday night, continuing his hot start to the spring.

The ex-Mets first baseman/left fielder faces an uphill climb to make the team because he is not on the 40-man roster, but Stanton’s injury has creaked the door open for the possibility and Smith is trying to make the most of it.

Jake Cousins (forearm strain) started a throwing program Monday after being shut down for five weeks.

He threw from 60 feet while keeping all of his throws under 70 mph.

“Felt good,” said Cousins, who will start the season on the IL. “Nice and easy.”

DJ LeMahieu (calf) underwent an MRI exam on Monday to determine the extent of his strain and how long it might sideline him for. … George Lombard Jr. and Andrew Velazquez both homered against the Pirates. For Lombard it was his second straight game going deep. … Before Monday’s game, the Yankees reassigned INF Roderick Arias and RHP Cam Schlittler to minor league camp. Schlittler in particular has opened some eyes in the organization of late and could become a depth option at some point later this year. … Alfonso Soriano and Bernie Williams arrived on Monday as guest instructors.