Players the Yankees Need to Find a Spot for When the Injured Players Return
Our current roster is mainly a lot of Triple-A players; however, slowly but surely we are seeing some progress in the 13 injured Yankees players. Recent reports noted that Miguel Andujar and Troy Tulowitzki have been playing some extended Spring Training games with the Tampa Tarpons, and may return fairly soon. Although we have the highest number of injured players in the Major League, we’re still winning games and it makes you wonder, how? Well it’s simple, the Yankees have a strong Triple-A league and several players have been making big plays while being given this opportunity. So when our injured players begin to return, who should the Yankees’ try and keep on their roster? Below I have three key players who have made a huge impact this year, and I believe will continue to do so with the Yankees organization throughout 2019.
1. Domingo German (who is replacing Luis Severino):
German has been an Ace on the mound while he temporarily replaces our Ace (Severino). Currently German is sitting on a 2.56 ERA, which is the best ERA for our starting pitchers (with CC Sabathia sitting at a close second with 2.66); German also currently has a 5–1 record. In his last six innings, German only gave up four runs and if that doesn’t impress you, let’s take a look at Severino’s first few games in 2018. Severino had a 4–1 record, 2.61 ERA, and gave up three runs in seven innings. German is no Severino, but if you can put up numbers relatively similar to our Ace…that should 100% guarantee a spot on the pitching rotation.
Who do we get rid of to make room for German? I would say send a reliever back down. If you cannot add German to the starting pitching rotation, send him to the bullpen and utilize him any and every way you can! However the Yankees decide to use German, he needs a spot with the Yankees once Severino returns.
2. Clint Frazier (who is replacing Giancarlo Stanton/Aaron Judge):
Frazier is currently on the IL (Injured List), but will be returning very soon. So don’t let this little splint on the IL change your mind, Frazier deserves a spot on this roster! Frazier went from batting a measly .143 batting average with 49 at bats and only 7 hits, to a .324 batting average with 68 at bats, 22 hits, 10 runs and 17 RBIs. Although Frazier needs to be a little more aggressive and smart with his defensive plays, he makes up for it when he’s at home plate.
Who do we get rid of to make room for Frazier? Unless you can somehow manage to keep 5 outfielders, the Yankees would need to reconsider Brett Gardner’s position. Although I would hate to see Gardner get moved down to Triple-A, you have to look at which player is more impactful and Frazier has just got it.
3. Gio Urshela (who is replacing Miguel Andujar):
Defensively this guy has been on fire! Urshela has made defensive plays that seem almost impossible. In addition to the incredible defensive plays this guy makes, he is sitting at a .339 batting average with 62 at bats, 21 hits, 8 runs and 6 RBIs. Urshela is putting up 2018 Miguel Andujar numbers right now, and is even playing better defense than Adujar ever had. Do we all remember the play Urshela made where he basically was mid fall outside of third base and still got the runner out at first? And that the runner was Mookie Betts, 2018 AL MVP!
Who do we get rid of to make room for Urshela? You have to send Tyler Wade back down, his numbers just do not compare to Urshela. I also don’t think Urshela will replace Andujar, but I think having both players will be important for the Yankees roster. With Greg Bird on the IL for what seems to be multiple months (according to reports), Andujar could potentially play first on rare days you want to have Voit take a day off or play DH.
