TAMPA — It appears the Yankees are still on the market for a proven utility player to add to their bench.
After signing a one-year, $4 million contract with the Dodgers on Monday, Quique Hernandez said Thursday that the Yankees are his other final choice. This also shows that the team is still trying to improve its bench options.
“It ended up being either the Dodgers or the Yankees,” Hernandez, a right-handed hitter, said on the “Foul Territory” podcast. “[The Dodgers] There are many left-handed batters in the batting lineup.The main reason [I signed] At the beginning of this year, he was guaranteed to at least start against left-handed pitchers, and anything can happen from there.
“The Yankees have a very good batting lineup, just like the Dodgers, but they have a lot of right-handed hitters, and the left-handed hitters are not platoon players. So the only way I can get into the lineup is to give guys a break. Either that or in case someone got hurt.”
Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged that Hernandez was “certainly interested in coming here” before re-signing with the Dodgers.
In the Yankees’ current system, Oswaldo Cabrera appears to be the leader in a utility role in the clubhouse.
But the switch hitter, who will bat left-handed this season, will need to prove he can be more productive at the plate than he was last year, when he hit .211 with a .574 OPS in 330 at-bats. . exterior.
This could be one of two available bench spots, with outfielder Trent Grisham and backup catcher (Austin Wells or Jose Trevino) expected to fill the remaining two spots. .
Oswaldo Peraza is also a potential reserve infielder, but the Yankees may decide that the player, who struggled offensively last season, would be better off at bat every day in Triple-A.
Other candidates for the role include Joevit Vivas and Jamai Jones (claimed on waivers Wednesday with no minor league options remaining), as well as non-roster invitees Kevin Smith, Jeter Downs, Or that includes Josh VanMeter.
Clayton Beater impressed in his start under the lights Thursday, pitching three shutout innings with four strikeouts, three hits and one walk in a scoreless tie with the Marlins.
Coach Boone said before the game that Beater’s control and command would determine his limits, and the right-hander agreed.
“I know I have what it takes,” Beater said. “Even if it’s in the zone, just getting into the mindset of believing that your play is going to work will allow you to go out there and attack. Then you end up with a good result. The gains are obvious.”
Boone liked the play of the 25-year-old, acquired from the Dodgers for Joey Gallo.
“He comes here with something to prove,” Boone said. “We’re seeing pretty strong results there.”
Peraza suffered a strained right shoulder in Tuesday’s game, but he practiced Thursday and could return to action by Friday. … Carlos Rodon is scheduled to take live batting practice on Friday, Marcus Stroman will start against the Orioles on Saturday in Sarasota, Fla., and Nestor Cortez will play against the Tigers on Sunday at Steinbrenner Field. I plan to.
