New York Yankees: What is Troy Tulowitzki’s role this season?

Needing more depth in the infield, the New York Yankees signed former All-Star Troy Tulowitzki to a one-year deal. But with an abundance of infield options, what will the shortstop’s role be this upcoming season?

The New York Yankees added depth in the middle infield since shortstop Didi Gregorius will be out for at least the first half of the upcoming season. Now manager Aaron Boone might have one too many options in the infield.

At this point, Gleyber Torres, Troy Tulowitzki and DJ LeMahieu are fighting for the two spots. Given their resumes, it seems that Tulowitzki is the odd man out. However, if that is the case, then Boone must determine what the veteran’s role is.

The former Blue Jay is motivated to compete for a starting spot in the everyday lineup. Yet, it will be difficult considering Torres was a Rookie of the Year candidate in 2018, while LeMahieu is a consistent hitter.

Meanwhile, the 34-year-old Tulowitzki returns from a season-long hiatus due to bone spurs in his feet. Prior to 2018, the five-time All-Star endured arguably his worth season on a baseball field, owning a .678 OPS and garnering just 26 RBIs in 66 games.

Tulowitzki was not worth much in Toronto, so fans in New York may remain skeptical. The shortstop also boasts glaring differences in his numbers at home compared on the road – the Coors Field conundrum. But he could benefit from the hitting environment in the Bronx.

The most promising aspect of Tulowitzki’s game is his experience. Though he may not secure an everyday role, he can still provide advice for younger guys like Miguel Andujar and Torres. And he can also be helpful come October, since he has postseason experience.

Still, it’s difficult to imagine the Yankees utilizing Tulowitzki in a starting infield rotation. Unlike Ronald Torreyes and Brandon Drury, the Gold Glove winner doesn’t play multiple positions. Of course, he provides more promising potential than the latter mentioned, if he remains healthy.

But that will also be a problem, considering Tulowitzki also missed a large chunk of time with hamstring, groin and ankle issues. The former Rockies star also missed a considerable portion of his 2012 and 2014 seasons. It’s clear that his durability isn’t his best feature on the field.

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Barring any injuries, Bonne will likely switch Torres to short at least for the time being. Of course, Spring Training performances can play a part in this equation, but Torres played the position more than anyone not named Gregorius in 2018.

There are also other options in case Tulowitzki is given a starting job for a few games a week. Torres can also play third if needed, while Andujar can switch to designated hitter. That would allow Giancarlo Stanton to occupy left field instead of Brett Gardner in some affairs.

Also, prospect Thairo Estrada seems on the brink of making a debut if a plethora of injuries do occur. The Venezuelan saw time in Triple-A, though his numbers were uninspiring.

It may be too early to make presumptions, but based on how the current roster looks, Tulowitzki’s role looks to remain limited. Yet baseball is unpredictable and some veteran players find a second wind in their careers, so the shortstop could provide a surprise for Yankees fans.

Either way, the veteran is only on a one-year contract. If he doesn’t perform up to the low standards provided, he could be traveling elsewhere at some point in the season.