Yankees to promote Miguel Andújar from Triple-A Scranton – Pinstripe Alley

An old friend is coming back to the Yankees. According to YES Network’s Jack Curry, the Yankees will recall Miguel Andújar from Triple-A Scranton later today. Third baseman Gio Urshela suffered a knee injury during yesterday’s game against the Astros and underwent an MRI afterward, but per Brendan Kuty of NJ.com, it doesn’t appear to be serious enough to merit an IL stint just yet (reliever Albert Abreu will likely go down to make room). Given that Urshela might need a little time off, it certainly can’t hurt to call Andújar up.

The 26-year-old has had a rough go of it ever since he had shoulder surgery that ended his 2019 season early. Urshela’s superior defense and overall production at third displaced Andújar for 2020, and he only hit .242/.277/.355 with a 71 wRC+ in 21 games — mostly in left field or at DH — before being sent down to the alternate site for good on September 15th.

Since the end of 2020 though, Andújar has been working hard to try to get back to The Show. He hit .300/.333/.400 in 10 games with Toros del Este of the Dominican Winter League (LIDOM), who were actually the first to report the news of Andújar’s return. He only hit .133 in six games this spring, and after being shut down, the culprit turned out to be carpal tunnel syndrome in his right wrist.

Andújar rested, recovered, and started appearing in games at the alternate site in Scranton as the Yankees began their 2021 season. In addition to left field and third base, he began playing some first to increase his versatility. The minor league season began on Tuesday, and Andújar’s been on a vicious streak during Scranton’s first series in Syracuse. It’s only been three games and a whole bunch of minor league pitchers are still shaking off rust, but it’s still been quite the run: 6-for-15 with 3 homers and a .462/.467/1.154 triple slash.

Andújar actually just homered twice last night, which can’t have hurt the Yankees’ decision-making process. It might only be for a little while, but at least for now, he will get that coveted chance to see if he can flash some semblance of that Rookie of the Year runner-up form from 2018. Andújar could also possibly play a little outfield with the Yankees desperately seeking more production from that position (and center), given the slow starts of Clint Frazier, Aaron Hicks, and Brett Gardner.

The Yankees could really use another hot bat, especially with Urshela on the mend, so here’s hoping that Andújar’s good start in Triple-A carries over to the big leagues.

Update:

Official.