Yankees Definitely Need to Make a Roster Spot for Mike Tauchman if He's Healthy

A lot has changed for the New York Yankees since Game 1 of the ALCS when they hung seven runs on Zack Greinke and the Houston Astros bullpen.

Aaron Boone's offense has gone ICE cold, and his side now faces a 2-1 deficit after being torched by Gerrit Cole and Co. in a 4-1 Game 3 loss on Tuesday night.

Simply put, the Bombers are desperate for an offensive spark, and they should turn to Mike Tauchman, who appears ready to return from a calf strain that has shelved him since Sept. 9.

Brian Cashman claimed ahead of Game 3 that Tauchman is ready to go should he get the call and that he's been preparing for such a situation.

"He is healthy and eligible," said the GM. "That is why he has been down in Tampa doing all his stuff."

We have on question: why on earth hasn't Tauchman gotten the freaking call? Brett Gardner was superb in 2019, but his efforts during the ALCS have been forgettable.

After an 0-for-4 showing in Game 3, Gardy is hitting a woeful .117 (2-for-17) in the ALCS. Heck, Boone could even deploy Tauchman in the DH spot for Edwin Encarnacion, who, after logging one hit in four at-bats on Tuesday, has compiled a .125 (2-for-16) mark.

If Giancarlo Stanton isn't healthy enough to play, then have Tauchman take his spot. If you don't want to do that, then just take CC Sabathia off this roster. He's injured, not very good anymore, and definitely won't be pitching in any meaningful situations moving forward. No sense in wasting the spot.

The bottom line is that Boone needs to do anything possible to clear a roster spot for the 28-year-old outfielder if he is indeed ready to return.

Tauch was scorching hot before landing on the injured list, and he might just be the answer to cure the Pinstripes' offensive struggles in an ALCS that they now trail in.