The New York Yankees still have a few weeks left of spring training to iron out some of their weaknesses and position battles. However, they are starting to thin out the roster, getting essential players at-bats and live opportunities to showcase their talents.
The Yankees are starting to thin out the roster:
The team made the first cuts, sending seven players to Minor League camp for the start of this week.
Today, the Yankees reassigned RHP Sean Boyle, C Josh Breaux, OF Elijah Dunham, C Anthony Seigler, LHP D.J. Snelten, RHP Mitch Spence and C Austin Wells to minor league camp.
Via the Yankees.
Seeing the Yankees send OF prospect Elijah Dunham back down to minor league camp is interesting, considering he only got a handful of opportunities this spring. Over three at-bats, he tallied two hits and a run, making a diving catch in the outfield to go with it. The 24-year-old is looking to elevate his game and fight his way to the Major League roster, expecting to start with Triple-A Scranton this upcoming season.
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The Yankees were also hoping to get a better look at catcher Austin Wells, who suffered a broken rib and will miss all of spring. Wells will likely elevate to Triple-A as well and could potentially make an impact with the Yankees during the 2023 season down the stretch.
Wells is known for his stellar offensive contributions as a lefty, featuring great athleticism. His defensive quality behind home plate has blossomed over the past year, seeing a big increase in caught-stealing percentage and lowered his passed balls allowed.
Nonetheless, sending three catchers back to the minor leagues, Josh Breaux, Anthony Seigler, and Wells, certainly proposes a potential liability for the Bombers. Considering that Ben Rortvedt and Breaux are also set to miss time, José Treviño and Kyle Higashioka are the team’s primary catchers. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Yankees brought in a player like Robinson Chirinos to compete, having spent some time with Scranton last year.