The New York Yankees had until 12 p.m. ET to trim their roster from 30 players to 28, to comply with MLB rules. To do that, they decided, somewhat surprisingly, to option infielder-outfielder Miguel Andujar to their alternate training site.
The Yankees also optioned right-handed pitcher Nick Nelson and infielder Thairo Estrada. Andujar, one of the most talented young Bombers in the squad, has failed to impress at any defensive position. Gio Urshela took third base away from him and he hasn’t looked entirely comfortable in the outfield either.
He is in the New York Yankees’ plans because of his bat, but he has really struggled this year, going 1-for-14 with no walks and three strikeouts. Either way, he figures to return eventually to the active roster.
All three should eventually be back with the Yankees
Nelson had a fine MLB debut on August 1 against the Boston Red Sox, twirling three scoreless innings with no hits allowed, a couple of bases on balls and four strikeouts. However, he was hammered in the first game of Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Philadelphia Phillies, to the tune of seven runs allowed (six earned) in 1.2 frames.
It’s fair to say that his defense didn’t do Nelson any favors, but he looked like an entirely different pitcher from his debut. He will go to the alterntate training site with an inflated 11.57 ERA and a 2.14 WHIP in 4.2 innings, with four punchouts.
Estrada actually made the New York Yankees’ roster out of summer camp, but because of the team depth, he has only two plate appearances and a perfect 1.000 average. As it will probably happen with Andujar and Nelson, the talented, glove-first infielder figures to be back eventually to help the team.
The Yankees split yesterday’s doubleheader with the Phillies and will take on Philadelphia again on Thursday. They are currently leading the AL East.