Yankees release 2013 Spring Training schedule

The New York Yankees released their 2013 Spring Training schedule on Tuesday. The Yankees will play 33 spring exhibition games, with 17 home games at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla.

The 2013 spring training schedule begins nine days earlier than last year to make room for the World Baseball Classic, which will take place in March 2013. The Yankees schedule opens with a game against the Braves in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The home opener is on Feb. 24 against the Blue Jays.

The Yankees host each of the other four American League East teams during their Spring Training schedule. The Yankees will also host the Dominican Republic World Baseball Classic team on March 6.

Spring Training begins when pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 12. Position players report on Feb. 17.

Last season the Yankees went 95-67 and won the AL East. They were swept by the Detroit Tigers in the ALCS.