3 Clever Ways Yankees Could Still Improve Their Injury-Ravaged Roster
By Sean Facey
It's August and the New York Yankees are somehow still dealing with an unbelievable amount of injuries. Their four-game sweep of the Red Sox over the weekend came at a high cost.
In the midst of humiliating their rivals, the Yankees lost Edwin Encarnacion to a fractured wrist. Infielders Gio Urshela and Gleyber Torres also suffered injuries in the final game of the series. With so many players hampered by their health and trades now out of the question, here are a few ways the Bronx Bombers could spruce things up.
3. Tyler Austin
Austin might not be the flashiest player the Yankees could add to the roster, but there's little doubt that he'd provide some much-needed relief. The Giants designated him for assignment, leaving open the possibility of him to rejoin the organization that drafted him. He'd give them positional versatility and a bat that has plenty of upside. If the Yankees want to shore up the roster, then they need to take a look at bringing him back in.
2. Asdrubal Cabrera
Asdrubal Cabrera's 2019 campaign with the Texas Rangers didn't go too well and ultimately ended with his release from the team over the weekend. The Yankees, for their part, would be wise to bring him in. He can play second base, shortstop and third base, and still managed a modest .711 OPS this year. He might not be a flashy addition, but he has plenty of versatility and experience that the Yankees could certainly use right about now.
1. Thairo Estrada
Estrada made his major league debut back in late April when New York was dealing with it's first wave of injuries and did nothing but impress. The 23-year-old slashed .280/.321/.520 in 54 plate appearances. Considering he can both handle the bat and play both middle infield positions and the outfield, it seems like a no-brainer that Estrada is one of the best options the Yankees have in holding down the fort until the roster is back at full strength.