For few weeks, a Bronx native helped the New York Yankees fill a void at shortstop last season. It was a true Cinderella story: for a brief stint, Andrew Velazquez was a starter for the almighty Bronx Bombers. He ended up playing 28 games.
He was waived by the Yankees and claimed by the Los Angeles Angels on November 5. He has a shot at more playing time in LA, since they haven’t announced a starting shortstop and he would be competing with the likes of Tyler Wade and Luis Rengifo.
Despite being waived by the Yankees, Velazquez is appreciative of his time in the Bronx.
“The opportunity to play in New York, my hometown, was an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he told Ken Davidoff of the New York Post this weekend. “The way the game works, you never know. Just enjoyed my time here, but really good opportunity in Anaheim.”
He loved his time with the Yankees
Some people may think he is, in any way, upset about being let go by the Yankees, but that’s not the case.
“I try not to look at it that way because it was such a good experience,” he said. “I think it was good selfishly for me, but also just for the city. For people that I grew up with. Kids that are trying to become whatever they’re trying to become, in and out of baseball.”
He hit just .224/.235/.358 with one homer, four stolen bases, and a 57 wRC+ in 68 plate appearances with the Yankees.
Fans liked Velazquez’s passion for the game. He is now trying to get more chances to play with the Angels.
That is if there is a season to play, as MLB and the Players Association haven’t agreed on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) deal.
“I just hope that both sides come to an agreement. The union is doing their job and they’re going to do a good job like they have been,” he said. “Hopefully it’s sooner than later. We want to play.”