The New York Yankees announced that outfielder Clint Frazier has been optioned after the team’s 10-3 win over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. Frazier went 1-for-5 in that game, hitting in the four spot.
Frazier said after the game that he was surprised by his demotion, “especially with how much I’ve [Frazier] felt like I’ve contributed to this team”.
The right-hitting outfielder out of Decatur, Georgia was hitting .283 with 11 home runs and 34 RBIs in 2019. He’s been hitting .348 over the last seven games.
Frazier was sent to AAA over Mike Tauchman, who’s spot will be occupied by newly acquired Edwin Encarnacion beginning Monday. Tauchman will likely be demoted after Monday’s game before the activation of Giancarlo Stanton on Tuesday.
What He Needs To Work On:
Frazier needs to work on two things in AAA: his work ethic and his fielding.
On Saturday for example, he tapped one back to the pitcher and slowly jogged to first while the White Sox were attempting to turn a double play. Who knows, a little hustle and he may beat it out or at least make it close and make the other team make an effort.
And obviously, fielding has been a problem for Frazier. He only has three charged errors, but has numerous misplays and misjudgements.
Was Sunday His Last Game In Pinstripes?
Rumors continue to swirl around Frazier about the possibility of him being traded for a pitcher at by trade deadline. With that being said, will Frazier ever be in the big leagues with the Yankees again?
Unless more outfield injuries occur, I believe that Frazier has played his last game in pinstripes. The Yankees just have too much depth in the outfield to give him a chance once everyone is healthy, and Mike Tauchman seems to be their extra outfielder, or the “Scranton Shuttle” rider for the meantime.
Plus, with another team, Frazier will likely see an everyday role and a team could build their outfield around him.