New York Yankees: Andujar, Tauchman, or Frazier?

Mike Tauchman, New York Yankees
Jul 31, 2019; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Mike Tauchman (39) reacts after hitting a two run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the second inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees are going to be in very interesting position when opening day comes. Who is going to be the starter in left field? Giancarlo Stanton was expected to bounce between left and the DH spot, but was likely going to be the opening day starter in left. Well, Stanton now has a calf strain and will miss significant time including opening day.  Last year, Mike Tauchman stepped up big time in the outfield when the Yankees were littered with injuries. Tauchman was one of the better defenders in the outfield and posted a pretty impressive line at the plate hitting .277 while driving in 47 runs. Miguel Andujar saw his first game action in left field this week. I wrote about the possibility of Andujar transitioning to the outfield a few weeks ago which still makes perfect sense. I know he is young, but Andujar projects better in the outfield than he does at third. Andujar missed virtually all of last season but, is looking to build off of his incredible 2018 campaign where he broke Joe DiMaggio’s rookie doubles record. Then of course there is Clint Frazier. Frazier was acquired a few years ago and everyone, including myself, thought Frazier would be a permanent staple in the outfield. Well, that hasn’t happened. We have heard about his incredible bat speed and we’ve seen flashes of his ability, but Frazier has been stuck in AAA for the majority of the last two seasons. Frazier was pretty good last year at the plate, but displayed some pretty poor defense in the outfield. So, what do the Yankees do?

What do the Yankees do?

I think if you had to handicap the race, Tauchman is the favorite to start in left once the season gets underway. Out of the three options, he’s the best outfield defender, and his left handed bat will bring some balance to the lineup. Miguel Andujar is likely going to start the season as the DH/Utility man for the Yankees. He will likely be the opening day designated hitter, but will float wherever he’s needed. If the Yankees need him in the outfield, he will be out there. If the Yankees need him to cover third, he will cover third. I don’t think Andujar will have a set position all year, but I expect him to be in the lineup every day. Now that leaves Clint Frazier, who once again appears to be the odd man out. I think Frazier will obviously be on the major league roster to start the season with the Stanton injury, but I’m not sure if he stays on it after that. Upon returning, Stanton will likely be the primary DH as he tries to stay healthy. Tauchman will start in left and Miguel Andujar will likely be the backup at that point. I don’t see Frazier playing over Tauchman or Andujar which is really unfortunate for him. I could be wrong though, and he could have an unbelievable spring which forces the Yankees hand, but as of now, I just don’t see it. Expect Mike Tauchman to start in left for the New York Yankees on opening day.