Miguel Andujar making a serious case to be Yankees starting third baseman
By Tre LyDay
Miguel Andujar is competing with a few other guys for the Yankees open spot a third base, and he’s made quite the impression this spring.
The New York Yankees have two open spots on the infield. One at second base and one at third base, and despite what you may think those two spots are completely up for grabs. Between prized prospects Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar, they along with new acquisition Brandon Drury are looking to be on the Opening Day roster.
Drury has the experience having spent time in Arizona. He spent time at third base subbing in for Jake Lamb, he can also play second base. Most scouts believe his best position is third base which is most likely the job he will compete for. Even though Drury is the “veteran” of the trio Andujar has had a spring that may warrant him being on the Yankees’ Opening Day roster.
Andujar has had quite the spring so far with a slash line of .400/.400/1.100. Yes, you read that right Andujar is slugging 1.100 which is absolutely absurd. The Yankees already know he can hit, because that is his best trait as a prospect. He doesn’t really strikeout as he’s only struck out twice all spring in 10 at-bats heading into Thursday’s game.
The knock on Andujar is that his defense isn’t big league ready. It is just a small sample size, but in the four games, he’s played heading into Thursday he hasn’t committed a single error in the minimal chances he’s had.
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The Yankees have a tough choice to make come Opening Day. Things could work in Andujar’s favor though when it comes to starting on Opening Day. The Yankees might be inclined to start Torres in the minor leagues in order to gain an extra year of control. That would essentially put Andujar on the Opening Day roster by default at third base.
To add to his already stellar spring the first two pitches he saw on Thursday against the Phillies ended up as souvenirs. He might not give the Yankees a choice, but to put make him the Opening Day starter at third base.