A two-time all-star is linked to the Yankees to bolster their shaky infield depth.
After an underwhelming 82-80 showing in 2023, the New York Yankees have high expectations going into the MLB regular season in 2024. This spring, their roster depth has been put to the test in a number of ways. After being released by the Arizona Diamondbacks, two-time All-Star Elvis Andrus might offer some much-needed depth to the infield.
While DJ LeMahieu recovers from an injury, Adam Weinrib of FanSided’s Yanks Go Yard believes Andrus may be ideal for the Bombers.
“Now that the opener is less than a week away, it appears very likely that the Yankees will add two infielders instead of sending Josh VanMeter or Kevin Smith to Houston,” the man stated. Long before the LeMahieu injury, their depth seemed certain to be put to the test. These days, having good shortstop depth is essential. Elvis Andrus, a Friday Diamondbacks standout and two-time All-Star, could deliver just that.
With the Diamondbacks, Andrus, who is now 35 years old, didn’t have the ideal spring training. Before being let go by the team on March 22, he had accumulated eighteen plate appearances. Just one walk and two hits—both singles—came from that opportunity. The veteran of fifteen years played for the Chicago White Sox in 2023. In 406 plate appearances, he hit.251/.304/.358. This resulted in 39 runs scored, 44 RBI, and 27 extra-base hits (20 doubles, 1 triple, and 6 home homers).
Opening Day’s “Long Shot” Is DJ LeMahieu
On March 16, in a spring training game, LeMahieu fouled a ball with his foot. The outcome of that, according to Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, was a “pretty significant” bone bruise. Though it doesn’t seem like he will be ready for Opening Day on March 28, the veteran has been trying.
On March 24, Yankees manager Aaron Boone had a conversation with media. Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports that Boone stated LeMahieu’s chances of being ready for Opening Day are currently “long shot.” Hoch posted further information on X (formerly Twitter), which was shared by New York’s skipper. DJ is still absent. He remarked, “He accomplished a few more things today, but he’s still sore and struggling with it. “We’ll see, but he’s definitely a little more of a long shot for Opening Day. The way he grows each day will determine how the days pass on the calendar.
It still appears possible that LeMahieu will start at third base for the Yankees in Game 1 of 162. The Bombers appear to be preparing as though the 35-year-old won’t be available, though.
Who Will Play Third Base for the Yankees Right Now?
On March 28, when New York plays the Houston Astros on the road, who will handle the hot corner if LeMahieu is unable to play? According to Hoch, Boone is cool with Oswaldo Cabrera taking the lead.
Overall, Cabrera’s spring training at-bat statistics don’t appear to be very good. With 47 at-bats, it includes a.664 OPS, although it only partially explains the situation given how slowly things started.
After recording just one hit in his first 23 at-bats, Cabrera’s spring triple slash was at.043/.083/.043 as of March 9. However, in the last several weeks, he has really come to life. His current batting line, which stands at.213/.302/.362, is proof of that. The Yankees hope LeMahieu returns shortly after Opening Day, but they are also comfortable with him at third base because of his bat’s recent awakening.
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