The New York Yankees are preparing to take on the Chicago White Sox in a doubleheader on Sunday, with the first game commencing at 3 PM. On Saturday, the Bombers emerged victorious despite a hostile situation that involved a benches-clearing scenario.
Yankee third baseman Josh Donaldson was accused of making a racist comment, “Jackie,” against Chicago shortstop Tim Anderson. While Donaldson has indicated there was no racism intended since Anderson has called himself “Jackie Robinson” in the past, this can be perceived in many different ways.
Nonetheless, the Yankees will be looking to clean up the series at Yankee Stadium. They will host the Baltimore Orioles in a three-game series on Monday.
The rules behind the doubleheader allow the Yankees to add an additional player to the roster. This is known as the 27th man.
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Per the Yankees:
Prior to today’s doubleheader, the Yankees appointed OF Estevan Florial (#90) as their “27th Man”.
Many have suggested that Florial should have been elevated regardless, replacing Aaron Hicks in the lineup. Hicks has struggled considerably this year, hitting .098 in the month of May, including five hits over 51 at-bats. His 24.6% on base rate is one of the worst on the team this month, suggesting a shift is needed.
However, Aaron Boone has stood tall and kept Hicks in the lineup. He’s essentially trying to wait out the cold streak.
Estevan Florial has dominated this year in Triple-A, currently hitting .273 with four homers and 12 RBIs. While he does have a 30% strikeout rate, he’s walking on 10.9% of his at-bats. He’s getting on base at a 35.8% clip.
At some point, the Yankees may want to utilize Florial in centerfield, given his speed and athleticism. At 24 years old, this seems to be the perfect opportunity to mix him in and earn additional reps, and a doubleheader should give him an opportunity to showcase his skills. If he performs well, who’s to say that Florial can’t earn more playing time in the majors moving forward.