The New York Yankees optioned Clint Frazier to their alternative training site prior to Sunday’s matchup against the Washington Nationals.
Frazier has shown signs of improvement and maturity this off-season, and he played well in the limited action he did receive. However, Aaron Boone elected to utilize Miguel Andujar instead of Frazier, which was a strange move.
How did the New York Yankees gear up Sunday?
With a tough Saturday night game in Washington, the Yankees sat Brett Gardner, Gary Sanchez, and Aaron Hicks. They supplemented their starters with Mike Tauchman, Miguel Andujar, and Kyle Higashioka. The three players combined for just one run, but Aaron Hicks scored after earning a walk. The trio struck out four times altogether.
Someone would argue that Frazier might have been a better option over Andujar in left field, who has experienced minimal reps this summer. “Red Thunder” has received the short end of the stick frequently, after showing his immaturity last season against the Boston Red Sox after I poor defensive performance. There is no doubt that he is offensively superior, after posting a .267 batting average with 12 home runs and 38 RBIs in 2019.
The fact that Boone optioned him to their alternative training site might suggest something we are unaware of. The Yankees’ manager stated that he would be a starting player on most teams in the MLB, but situationally, they felt Miggy was the better player to utilize.
“Difficult. Clint is ready to be an impact player in this league, there is no doubt in my mind,’’ Boone of their talented young outfielder. “Just unfortunately for him he is blocked by a lot of good outfielders. Unfortunately with options and our situation right now Clint was the odd man out, but that doesn’t make it any easier because he has done everything, from a work standpoint, from a focus standpoint. It is hard when you are sending down a big-league player who you know is ready to produce.’’
Based on Boone’s evaluation, I would say that Frazier is more than ready to take a starting role. After Andujar’s performance on Sunday, I believe Frazier will earn his opportunity soon.