New York Yankees: Will these 2 players earn postseason roster spots?

Mike Tauchman, New York Yankees
Jul 31, 2019; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Mike Tauchman (39) reacts after hitting a two run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the second inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

With the postseason right around the bend for the New York Yankees, they must start to gain momentum heading into the back end of the regular season.

With a stellar performance by starting pitcher James Paxton against the Texas Rangers, allowing just one hit and striking out 12 batters over seven innings, he is elevating his game at the perfect time. Yankees also smash six home runs through seven, five of which came during an eight-run two-inning rally.

As the playoffs near, the Yankees must begin to think about the roster and who can play an impactful role moving forward.

Could the seemingly outcasted Clint Frazier earn the nod for the postseason? Or will the Yankees elect to go with more established players like Cameron Maybin?

It is also possible they pull up Mike Ford as a third first baseman given the recent injuries to Luke Voit and Edwin Encarnacion. While that is unlikely, there are plenty of things manager Aaron Boone can do to ensure he has the firepower in the batting order against teams with better pitchers.

Nonetheless—

Here are two New York Yankees players that could be pulled up for the postseason:

1.) OF Mike Tauchman

With only two hits in his last 31 at-bats, Tauchman is currently hitting a rough patch before the regular season comes to an end. However, he has had a rather impressive campaign, hitting .279 on the season with 12 homers and 45 RBIs. He also has 31 walks to his name.

As a back of the order hitter, Tauchman offers value as a lefty and as a defensive player. Over 81 games this season, he has earned a .993 fielding percentage with two total errors. He has played every outfield position this season and can be utilized as a utility player in the scenario of an injury. He offers average offensive abilities but better defensive, which makes him a decent option if Boone elects to keep him for the postseason.

2.) OF Clint Frazier

One of the more questionable Yankees players is Clint Frazier.  His privileged attitude and inability to abide by Yankees law has seemed to push them down the pecking order for potential pull-ups to the majors. However, Frazier has been a solid offensive player while at the top level for the Bombers this season. Hitting .276 with 11 homers and 34 RBIs, Frazier holds value in that facet.

While his sample size is only 250 plate appearances and 196 at-bats, he has elite bat speed and can produce in clutch moments. That gives him value for a potential playoff roster spot, but his defense is so bad that he cannot be trusted in the field. That factor alone will likely leave them off the active roster for the playoffs, but he can’t be rolled out with time left to prove his worth. This season he has a .952 fielding percentage with six total errors.

If Frazier wishes to earn a spot for the postseason, he must show better defensive qualities, more so then he put on display several days ago against the Oakland Athletics.