The New York Yankees are getting reinforcements or rather a reinforcement. Youth star, Miguel Andujar, made the trip back to New York on Friday, making a return over the weekend probable. He will likely suit up on Saturday for the second game of a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins.
Getting back the AL Rookie of the Year runner-up will surely provide a boost to the Yankees offensive, a unit that only put up 3 total runs in a two-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Despite Andujar hitting just .231 on the season, he’s capable of being an explosive offensive weapon, and the Bombers need his abilities right now with several players on the injured list.
What has kept Miguel Andujar out of the starting lineup for the New York Yankees?
A small labrum tear in his right shoulder kept him off the field for several weeks, but a few minor league games and plenty of rehab has given the coaching staff enough reason to bring him back up to the starting team.
“He’s ready to go and I plan on him being on the team again tomorrow,†Boone said, according to the NY Post. “We feel comfortable he’s ready to go from a defensive standpoint.â€
I imagine the Yankees will hold off on putting Andujar in the field, as he’s been worked back slowly in regard to throwing. While he has spent some time in the field, I anticipate him starting off as the designated hitter considering Gio Urushela’s recent success.
“I feel good, much better,†Andujar said. “Getting into a game and playing, seeing action on the field, was the most important thing for me. And I did that in Tampa, and everything felt good.â€
If Andujar feels good performing in both the field and at the plate simultaneously, it’s possible the team features him in his regular role, however, I don’t believe they will in his first game back.
In addition to the third baseman, outfielder Clint Frazier will be reinstated from the injured list over the weekend making him available to play in left field over Cameron Maybin. He could also fill center field if they elect to give Brett Gardner a break.
Starting center fielder Aaron Hicks is also nearing a return, he’s finally playing live action games in center field. A stuff back has forced him out for quite some time, but manager Aaron Boone stated that Hicks has been healthy for quite some time, they were jus tproceeding with caution.