Yankees Designate Rob Refsnyder, Ji-Man Choi

Rob Refsnyder was the minor leaguer that New York Yankees fans wanted to see get a chance. Ji-Man Choi had an impressive two weeks in New York. On Wednesday, both players were designated for assignment.

When the New York Yankees acquired Todd Frazier, David Robertson, and Tommy Kahnle from the Chicago White Sox, it was apparent that several roster moves would need to be made. After all, the three players needed to be added to the 40 man roster before being eligible to play. With Tyler Clippard being included in the trade, the Yankees needed to open up only two spots.

Those moves came down on Wednesday. To open up the final two spots on the roster, New York designated both Rob Refsnyder and Ji-Man Choi for assignment. Although neither player likely had a place in the Yankees future, it is still a bit of a surprise that both players were let go.

Choi was less of a shock, as he had spent all of two weeks with the Yankees. Nonetheless, he had an excellent stint in New York, with four hits in 15 at bats, including a double and two homers. For a team that had suffered through Chris Carter, and Chris Carter again, Choi’s competence with the bat was a breath of fresh air.

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Refsnyder was more surprising, although he was a player without a true position. His bat carried him through the minors, and with a .292/.372/.424 batting line in 1244 AAA plate appearances, he had nothing left to prove. However, he was limited defensively, leading to attempts to find a way to put his bat in the lineup. Refsnyder has yet to prove he can hit at the major league level though, as his .241/.312/.332 batting line is decidedly below average.

Despite those struggles in the majors, Refsnyder is likely to be the target of some interest. The Tampa Bay Rays had already been linked to the Yankees former prospect earlier, as they sought infield depth last month. Given his track record at AAA, and the probability that he will cost very little in a trade, Refsnyder may well be on the move shortly.

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The Yankees made the moves they needed to in order to clear up roster space. Nonetheless, the choice to designate Rob Refsnyder and Ji-Man Choi for assignment is a bit of a surprise.