With the New York Yankee preparing for spring training in a few weeks, they have to make several decisions on reserve players, including Miguel Andujar at third base.
Andujar suffered a torn Labrum last season that sidelined him for the entire campaign, allowing incumbent Gio Urshela to steal the starting job at the hot corner. It’s expected that Urshela will earn the first crack at the starting role moving forward, leaving Andujar in an unusual spot.
According to GM Brian Cashman, who appeared on YES Network, the young infielder will be tested at first base and in left field, in an attempt to salvage his talent and utilize him in more effective ways.
ICYMI: Miguel Andujar has been told to prepare for spring reps at 1B and LF in addition to 3B, Brian Cashman told the @YESNetwork yesterday.
— Bryan Hoch ?? (@BryanHoch) January 24, 2020
With Andujar turning 25-years-old in March, he will just be entering his prime years, physically, which should advocate for his retention by the Yankees, who were reportedly shopping him earlier in the offseason. Taking back the third base position from Urshela might be difficult, though, considering his .314 batting average with 21 homers and 74 RBIs last season. Factor in his stellar defense as well, and it’s fair to say Andujar’s only chance at earning starting time in the field is at a different position entirely.
However, Andujar is only one year removed from a fantastic rookie campaign that convinced everyone he would be the future starter on the hot corner. His .297 batting average with 27 homers, 47 doubles, and 92 RBIs justified his offensive equity, and the Yankees aren’t about to let that slip through the grasps.
How can the New York Yankees extract the most value out of Andujar?
Manager Aaron Boone may look to plug Andujar into the designated hitter role to give him the proper at-bats. Although, what I see happening is a bit different, and it will involve Giancarlo Stanton.
With Stanton coming off a season riddled with injury, mitigating any risk should be the priority. Using left field as a revolving door seems to be the best idea, logically, with Stanton and Andujar taking turns, given the younger of the two can hold his own defensively. If Miggy proves, he can be of use in the outfield, interchanging the two in the DH spot would allow them to stay fatigue-free and help the team down the stretch. Theoretically, this action would be the most beneficial for the longevity of the team in 2020.