TAMPA — With just over a week until camp ends, the Yankees’ roster is still in development.
Of course, there’s a race for a fifth starter and a few bullpen spots.
However, the club probably has too many catchers, so it’s doubtful there’s any hope for backup infielder Brian Cashman & Co.
The Yankees have five catchers on their 40-man roster, which is plenty, and three of them have a strong case for the major leagues.
Jose Trevino is expected to play regularly, and 24-year-old Austin Wells has performed well on defense and offense, posting a .997 OPS in 11 Grapefruit League games this spring.
Ben Rotvedt got off to a slow start at the plate, but is a strong defensive catcher. Unlike Wells, Roltvedt no longer has a minor league option, so he will be exposed to waivers if he doesn’t make the roster.
There’s still some time before catchers’ performance earns them a break or injury settles the debate, but Cashman acknowledged there’s an oversupply.
“It’s definitely an area of depth,” the general manager said before Saturday’s 10-9 win over the Blue Jays at Steinbrenner Field. “In fact, everyone has performed to the best of their abilities and done a great job, not only for us but for others as well, because it’s clear that the dam is going to break towards the end of camp. I’d like to see how to overcome it.
“But I’m proud of them. And I’m proud of them for putting in their work and putting themselves in a really good position to be considered, because here in camp we have a major league catcher. Because I feel like it’s not just the two of us.”
However, there are questions about whether the Yankees have a backup infielder in camp.
Oswaldo Peraza was forced to withdraw from a tournament that included prospects Jovit Vivas and Jeter Downs, as well as non-roster invitee Kevin Smith, due to a shoulder injury.
Oswaldo Cabrera may be used as a backup infielder, but the utility man is expected to play in the outfield as well.
No one ran away from the rest of the competition. If the Yankees want a true backup for Anthony Volpe, Smith, who can play shortstop, could get an inside track.
However, once camp ends, other infielders from other teams could tempt the Yankees.
“We feel like we have some reliable guys here, but we’re always going to look outside in the spring,” Cashman said of his final benching. “So we’ll see how the rest of camp plays out elsewhere and how the trade conversations play out. Even those that don’t fit elsewhere. It might fit here. I don’t know. Let’s see.”
