The difference between 2018 and 2019 for New York Yankees starting third baseman Miguel Andujar is mind-blowing. Going from a .297 batting average with 27 homers and 92 RBIs with an .855 OPS to a .128 BA is the contrast of his unfortunate reality.
The New York Yankees are forced to make a decision:
The runner-up for Rookie of the Year just a season ago has faltered at the hands of injury and confidence-issues. A small tear in his right-labrum force Andujar out for several weeks, but the pain subsided and he found his way back to the starting team after avoiding season-ending surgery.
However, his return was not what anyone anticipated. A lack of production at the plate — 3-for-34 since returning from the IL and falling behind defensively to Gio Urshela has seen him back to the IL.
“We do feel feel like the injury is certainly a contributing factor to some of the struggles,” manager Aaron Boone said Monday, per Lindsey Adler of The Athletic.
More rest for the youth star is certainly in need, as his struggles are visible and troublesome at this point in time. Luckily, Urshela has picked up the slack and then some.
The surprise star is hitting .341 after batting .233 in half the sample-size in 2018 for Toronto. So far this season, he has enjoyed an exciting bout of offensive success, recording 31 overall hits, including 9 doubles and 2 homers. He currently leads the team in BA and has been a rock on defense, turning 8 double plays with a .944 fielding percentage.
If he can continue his hot streak, the Yankees just might be able to survive the loss of Andujar. However, the Bombers recently lost starting pitching Jonathan Loaisiga for four weeks, further diminishing a team that has been gravely affected by the injury bug.
They will gain back starting center-fielder Aaron Hicks but are several weeks away from seeing Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton on the field again. For more injury updates — click here!