(Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

Four months after they nicked themselves with poor defensive play in the deciding game of last year's World Series, the New York Yankees have decided to allow their players to start growing facial hair.

Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner declared 'well-groomed beards' would be permitted in declaring an end to the franchise's longstanding policy that allowed mustaches but not beards or unruly sideburns.

'In recent weeks I have spoken to a large number of former and current Yankees -- spanning several eras -- to elicit their perspectives on our longstanding facial hair and grooming policy, and I appreciate their earnest and varied feedback,' Steinbrenner said Friday morning in a statement. 'These most recent conversations are an extension of ongoing internal dialogue that dates back several years.

'... It is the appropriate time to move beyond the familiar comfort of our former policy.'

The previous policy on player appearance included the length of players' hair and came about in 1976. When George Steinbrenner died in 2010, his daughter and Yankees managing partner Jennifer insisted the team's rule not be changed.

There is at least one current Yankees player who appreciates the razor relief. New closer Devin Williams reported to Tampa with the goatee look he's had for several years. When the topic of the facial hair policy came up, he was coy and said only 'we'll see' when pressed on his plans for altering his appearance.

Dodgers' Bobby Miller better after liner to head

Los Angeles right-hander Bobby Miller had a residual headache but no fracture or significant bruising a day after being struck in the head by a 106-mph comebacker, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. Miller is in concussion protocol with no specific timetable on a return.

Facing the Chicago Cubs' Michael Busch in the third inning Thursday's spring training opener, Miller couldn't get his glove up in time to avoid taking Busch's drive off his right temple and immediately went to the ground, clutching his face and head.

Miller posted to X on Thursday night, writing, 'Thank you to everyone who has reached out. Really means a lot. Scary moment I'm good! All praise to the man above ... can't wait to get back on the mound.'

Reds not keen on spring ABS trial

Reds manager Terry Francona plans to opt out of elective participation in the Automated Ball-Strike Challenge trial during spring training but is willing to let Cincinnati's minor league players accustomed to the procedure use challenges.

ABS affords pitchers, hitters and catchers an immediate objection to a ball-strike call. MLB has not yet fully adopted the system, which has been used in the minor leagues. A trial involving 13 spring training ballparks began Thursday.

'I'm OK with seeing our younger kids do it because they've done it,' Francona said. 'It's not a strategy for (the MLB teams), so why work on it? I don't want to make a farce of anything, but we're here getting ready for a season and that's not helping us get ready.'

Tigers' Akil Baddoo has hand surgery

Detroit Tigers outfielder Akil Baddoo will miss the start of the regular season after undergoing surgery to repair a broken right hand.

Baddoo had his hamate bone operated on Thursday, according to Tigers manager A.J. Hinch. Baddoo had been bothered by hand and wrist soreness since the start of spring training.

Baddoo, 26, batted just .137 with two home runs and five RBIs in 31 games last season. He was designated for assignment over the winer, cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Toledo. He is at spring training as a non-roster invite.

Other news and notes

Chicago Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga, the team's Opening Day starter on March 18 against the Dodgers in Japan, threw 39 pitches in a simulated game and had five strikeouts. ... Highly regarded New York Yankees pitching prospect Chase Hampton underwent Tommy John surgery and will miss the 2025 season. ... Veteran outfielder Manuel Margot signed a minor league deal with the Milwaukee Brewers that includes an invitation to big league camp, according to multiple outlets. ... The Chicago White Sox signed veteran right-hander Mike Clevinger to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league camp.

--Field Level Media