The New York Yankees are notorious for having the most players on the injured list this season. Since it seems that the Yankees can’t keep their guys off the IL, replacement players have been called upon to fill in roles. The phrase “Next Man Up” has been used by fans this season to show that this dominant Yankees team is not superstars, and every guy they call up will compete. Here’s a list of the top three “Next Man Up”:
Gio Urshela
“The most happy fella,” Gio Urshela has been a surprise superstar for the New York Yankees this season. Known for his stellar defense, Urshela has shined offensively as well. Every night it seems that he’s in the mix of players who have done something productive to help the team win.
Currently, Urshela’s batting average would tell you that he’s been a seasoned Major League player. However, it’s only a first real year in the pros and he’s dominating. Urshela is currently slashing .337/.379/.585 which stands with some of the other premier players in the MLB. For reference, Mike Trout is batting .298 and Urshela is batting .337. Keep in mind, Trout only has 42 more at-bats then Urshela…
Mike Tauchman
One of the most surprising stars of the Yankee lineup, Mike Tauchman has proven that he’s capable of performing in the big leagues. Taking Giancarlo Stanton’s spot while he’s rehabbing, Tauchman seems to also be in the mix of players contributing every night.
Tauchman was given his chance this year with the Yanks and hasn’t taken it lightly. In 69 games with the club, he’s batting .289 with 12 home runs. His defense has also been nothing short of spectacular. Take a look at this robbery…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Wqt-HlX9vI
All MLB outfielders who have a .290+ BA, .360+ OBP, and a .540+ SLG, are Cody Bellinger, Charlie Blackmon, George Springer, Mike Trout, Christian Yelich, and… Mike Tauchman (yes, you read that right).
Cameron Maybin
A 13-year veteran in the major leagues, Cameron Maybin is a guy who’s bounced around from team to team. The Yankees acquired Maybin to seek outfield help when everyone was on the injured list earlier this season. From then, he’s been nothing short of a “backup.” Maybin has earned every right to be in the Yankee lineup and his offensive and defensive numbers show it.
Maybin is batting .312 this season with eight home runs and 26 runs batted in. He’s buried a little bit behind the all-star Yankee outfield, but in his short time playing Maybin has contributed just about as much as he can.