The New York Yankees brought in the reinforcements this offseason due to starting shortstop Didi Gregorius’s Tommy John surgery. The signing of veteran Troy Tulowitzki presented an alternative at the position while Didi rehabs.
It was expected that the usual starter would return mid-summer but reports have indicated that his timetable for return has been pushed back a few weeks.
#Yankees VP/GM Brian Cashman on @SiriusXMFantasy SS Didi Gregorius June return is “Optimistic” More realistic is July or August. Also revealed Torres will get reps at shortstop this Spring.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) February 27, 2019
June was the original return month, but it’s looking more like August at this point.
Manager Aaron Boone indicated that Gregorius could return 2-4 months into the season but Brian Cashman has now stated that it’s looking more like 6 months.
New York Yankees will utilize multiple players at shortstop:
It’s expected that both Tulowitzki and Gleyber Torres will earn starting reps at shortstop. Torres played sparingly at the position in 2018 but struggled with defensive efficiency, allowing five errors in 21 games. The move to second base saw his fielding percentage jump from .928 to .970. A significant change, which is why he remained at second for a majority of the season.
I anticipate that Torres earning reps at shortstop could be a test. The Yankees could be looking to see if he can be the long-term solution at the position since Gregorius will be a free agent next winter.
The Yankees are betting on their youth core to develop into every-day players for the next five years. Having a young shortstop can be the difference in a great team and a good team. Torres has the ability to develop into a top infielder with more experience, and at 22-years-old, his career is just beginning.