New York Yankees: Who Goes When the Vets Return?
The Ones That Hurt:
Cut: Gio Urshela, Replacement: Didi Gregorius
It will be no surprise that Didi Gregorius will go back in the lineup immediately upon his return. Even with the return of Andujar, Gio Urshela has kept a spot on the roster and I for one am happy to see him stay. He’s been the stellar bat and glove that the Yankees have been looking for at third base since Alex Rodriguez. Yes, I am counting Andujar.
During his 25 games played in the bigs, Urshela has batted .338 and has provided something to the New York Yankees that barely any of their star players can provide, contact hitting. With only one home run, six runs batted in, and nine strikeouts, Urshela is proving that you don’t have to rely on the long ball to get the job done.
Not to mention, some of his plays on the hot corner this year have been absolutely sensational. He’s already turned more double plays than Andujar did last season and carries all around better defensive stats through nine innings played. Frankly, I don’t think Urshela will stick around for the whole year but come next year, I think there’s a serious discussion to be had about who the starting third baseman should be.
Cut: Clint Frazier, Replacement: Aaron Judge
This one hurts… It’s easily the toughest cut the New York Yankees will have to make, I feel really bad for Frazier. It’s the exact definition of getting the short end of the stick and just a case of the Yankees outfield being too crowded. Frazier has had to fight for the chance at a roster spot and he’s truly been able to make the most of it.
Before going on the ten-day IL, the face of this backup Yankees team was Frazier and for more reasons than one. Put his .324 batting average, six home runs, and 17 RBI to the side, this man plays with grit that fans love to see.
When he’s in the game, it’s easy to see how badly he wants to play in Yankee Stadium in front of 40,000 plus fans a night. He’s the hardest working guy on the field and gives 110 percent effort on a daily basis. He’s the definition of a real Yankees player.
From the custom cleats on his feet to the hair that he had to cut off his head to be a Bronx Bomber, he wants to stay up and I think he should regardless of when Judge comes back. If Boone and Cashman don’t recognize his value and promote him to an everyday outfield job when everyone comes back, there are plenty of other teams looking for a starting outfielder.
Regardless of who stays and who goes, these young bombers have played so well that they’ll tear the cover off the ball in the Minor Leagues. These injury ridden times in the Bronx have been one of the best things that could’ve happened to the whole Yankees organization.
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With much of their premiere minor league talent coming up on the team these past two years, it’s decreased the quality of the Yankees farm system. The Major League experience these young guys have gotten during this stretch is going to give the farm system a great boost. Boone should have the confidence to recall his early season replacements in the second half if necessary.