New York Yankees might have a darkhorse utilityman climbing the roster

New York Yankees, Rosell Herrera
Mar 1, 2020; Lakeland, Florida, USA; New York Yankees infielder Rosell Herrera (12) hits a single against the Detroit Tigers during the third inning at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

While injuries have continued to mount for the New York Yankees, there have been positives to extract from Grapefruit League play this spring training. One of the biggest surprises has been non-roster utilityman Rosell Herrera, who is scheduled to start the 2020 season with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

However, Herrera has proven that he is capable of playing with the big boys, hitting .563 this spring training which leads the MLB for anyone with 15 or more at-bats. Despite the Yankees losing to the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, Herrera went 2-for-2, hitting two line-drive doubles and recording a walk in the loss. Herrera has 10 hits and 17 at-bats in seven games, including an impressive 5-for-5 with three doubles in a walk and his last two performances.

“He’s been great,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “He hits it off the barrel every time. A lot of really good at-bats every day.”

The New York Yankees are watching an unknown player blossom before their eyes:

The young utility man is certainly present providing an opportunity for himself to earn a spot on the 26-man-roster in just a few weeks. With opening day right around the corner on March 26 against the Baltimore Orioles, Herrera has a small shot at earning a space on the team, but he will have to beat out players like Clint Frazier, who already have major league experience. I don’t anticipate Rosell earning a spot on the 26-man-roster, but it is possible that he earns an opportunity at some point this season, given the number of injuries the Yankees have continued to face the past two years.

The Yankees signed Herrea on Feb. 3 to a minor-league deal at just 27-years-old. While he was just a .225 hitter at the time over 149 big-league games with the Kansas Cty Royals, Cincinnati Reds, and Miami Marlins, the Yankees have found potential and the young stud.

“He has a great attitude,” Boone said. “He plays the game with a joy. And he’s been really good moving around for us in different spots. He continues to impress us.”

Herrera could be one of the first call-ups if the Yankees are looking to make a change or supplement injury — he has undoubtedly proved his worth over the past few weeks.