The New York Yankees hosted another intrasquad exhibition game on Thursday night, playing a majority reserve players to iron out the backend of the active roster.
With the roster expanding four spots to 30 players, options like Miguel Andujar, Tyler Wade, Mike Ford, Clint Frazier, and Mike Tauchman are all battling for an opportunity.
However, some had a better day than others. Andujar, who hit a home run off Gerrit Cole several days ago in the second exhibition game, dropped an easy flyball in right field Thursday night.
First chance for Miguel Andújar in right field didn’t go as planned.
He can’t come up with the pop up from Giancarlo Stanton allowing Gleyber Torres to score from first. pic.twitter.com/6nSql2j33B
— Max Goodman (@MaxTGoodman) July 9, 2020
Andujar has been at the top of manager Aaron Boone’s list for getting defensive reps. The former runner-up for Rookie of the Year in 2018 tore his labrum last season, limiting him to just 12 games. During that time, he lost his starting position at third base to Gio Urshela, who was previously a carrier depth player.
Andujar dropping the ball in right field is a significant blow yet a minor mistake. He served better in left but the sun was directly in his eyes to make the catch more problematic.
I don’t imagine this will convince Boone to give him any fewer reps, but it certainly wasn’t the step forward he anticipated taking.
The young talent still has plenty of time to rectify his mistake, but he must improve in the outfield if he wishes to see any defensive reps during a shortened season. Boone will not be motivated to start questionable defensive players when every game is that much more valuable.