Yankees glad to be in Pittsburgh on day Roberto Clemente was honored

PITTSBURGH — The Yankees were in the right spot for Roberto Clemente Day.

In the city where Clemente played all 18 years of his Hall-of-Fame career, the Yankees opened a series against the Pirates on Friday with three of their players wearing his former number. Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Kyle Higashioka all wore No. 21 for the game as previous nominees (Judge this season) for the Roberto Clemente Award.

“It kind of embodies not only being a great player, but also a great human being,” Higashioka said.

The Yankees had plans to tour the Clemente Museum after their 7-5 win Friday night in a visit set up by hitting coach Sean Casey, who grew up in the Pittsburgh area. Even before that, they appreciated being in town for the annual day to honor the late Clemente.

“It’s awesome,” manager Aaron Boone said. “I still marvel at all the highlights of his greatness and how he moved and his swing and how dynamic of a player he was. But then obviously where MLB stops and pays respect and a day is dedicated to him speaks more than the fact of what he was off the field.

“Obviously, a Hall of Fame player, but the things he did away from the field, still to this day, are revered and looked upon with such reverence. Judgey’s our nominee this year. I’ve talked to many people over the years that have ultimately won the Roberto Clemente Award — oftentimes great players in their own right that have won MVPs, Silver Sluggers, you name it — almost to a man, the most meaningful award they’ve ever won is the Roberto Clemente Award.”

Clemente’s sons threw out the first pitch before the game.

RHP Jonathan Loaisiga, whose season was cut short by right elbow inflammation, has swelling in the joint but his “ligament is fine,” Boone clarified on Friday.

RHP Clay Holmes was under the weather on Thursday, which is why RHP Tommy Kahnle was asked to record a two-inning save in the Yankees’ 8-5 win over the Red Sox. But Holmes was feeling better by Friday and nailed down the save with a perfect ninth inning.

RHP Luke Weaver, whom the Yankees claimed off waivers Tuesday, will start Saturday against the Pirates.

RHP Ian Hamilton (groin strain) is expected to be activated off the injured list on Saturday or Sunday.