Yankees Should Cut Bait With Kendrys Morales When Didi Gregorius Returns

New York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius is close to returning and should be in the everyday lineup when June roles around (at least, after he's fully eased into the proceedings). New York will have to remove someone from the current active roster, and with so many rookies contributing so enthusiastically to the active roster, that decision should be clear.

Gregorius is a middle infielder, so it would make sense to send one of them down when he's ready to come back. The obvious choice would be Thairo Estrada, but instead of removing such a valuable player, the Yankees should actually cut bait and move on from veteran first baseman/designated hitter Kendrys Morales, an exit velocity experiment that hasn't worked out.

Estrada brings defensive versatility to the Yankees, showing the ability to play the infield and outfield, and he's been productive at the plate, slashing .304/.347/.565 with three home runs and 11 RBI over 23 games (46 at-bats).

On the flip side, Morales is a DH who can play some first base. The 35-year-old has also been atrocious at the plate, slashing .139/.311/.222 with one home run and four RBI over 10 games as a Yankee.

Yankee GM Brian Cashman tried to catch lightning in a bottle by acquiring Morales from the Oakland A's, but that experiment has clearly not worked out. If first base is the rub, DJ LeMahieu can easily slide over to the position on days when Luke Voit needs a night off (or in the DH spot), clearing a position on the other side of the infield.

Sometimes taking a flyer on an established player works, and sometimes it doesn't. This failed, and they should wipe their hands of Morales, keeping Estrada around when they are ready to bring Gregorius back.