The New York Yankees were expected to feature outfielder Clint Frazier in the starting lineup this upcoming season with Brett Garnder playing a rotational/veteran role.
Gardner was signed to a one-year deal to maintain the experience levels of a young Yankees core. The outfield seems rather locked in with Aaron Judge featuring in right field and Aaron Hicks in center. The left field spot was the position in question and most believed that Frazier would earn starting reps there.
Report: New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has different plans for Frazier:
According to NJ.com’s Randy Miller, manager Aaron Boone isn’t looking to start Frazier in left field but rather place him in Triple-A while he regains his form after struggling with migraines in 2018.
#Yankee Aaron Boone wants Clint Frazier, who missed most of 2018, to just play this spring instead of worrying about earning roster spot (or starting job). I’m hearing #Yankees plan to start him in Triple-A unless they need him on big-league roster due to injury.
— Randy Miller (@RandyJMiller) February 26, 2019
I anticipate the Yankees utilizing Frazier as a reserve piece they can call up in case of injury. This would indicate that both Gardner and Giancarlo Stanton will split time in the outfield. With the Scranton Rail Riders, Frazier can earn every-day playing time and come into the starting team with confidence and momentum.
It’s fair to assume that once Gardner is out of the picture Frazier will take over in left field. The electric player has immense bat speed and defensive abilities, which makes me believe his time in Scranton will be limited.
How has Frazier performed so far?
So far in spring training, Frazier is 1-7 with a single in the Yankees’ first game of the Grapefruit League. His inability to hit in these practice games will inevitably cost him dearly in his quest to earn a starting roster spot.