With Miguel Andujar looking to return from the IL sooner rather than later, the Yankees are faced with the tough decision of what to do with Giovanny Urshela.
Over the last week, the New York Yankees have received some promising news in regards to Miguel Andujar. It appears the AL Rookie of the Year runner-up will avoid season-ending surgery and will be ready to take the field sooner rather than later.
There’s no doubt that this is incredible news. However, in Andujar’s absence, a scrappy journeyman by the name of Giovanny Urshela has managed to turn some heads, providing a component to his play that Andujar just hasn’t been able to master yet, defense.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
Since taking over for Andujar at 3B, Urshela has posted a respectable 4.6 UZR. By comparison, at no point in Andujar’s big-league career has he posted a positive UZR. In fact, before being placed on the IL, Miggy’s UZR was -1.3
Not only has Urshela surprised experts and analysts defensively, but he’s also turned some heads with his offensive play as well. In 20-games this season, Urshela has managed to amass a .415 OBP, while hitting for a .509 SLG, which is good enough for a 0.6 fWAR.
Now, there’s no question that upon Miguel Andujar’s return, he is placed in the lineup. However, should the Yankees consider DHing Miggy until Giancarlo Stanton finds his way back to the big league team?
There’s no question that defensively, Urshela is better at third, and so far, offensively, he’s been a blessing in disguise too. Therefore, keeping him on the team wouldn’t harm the team.
There are still so many injuries on this team that the Yankees might be better off sending down Mike Tauchman or Mike Ford instead of Urshela when Andujar returns.
One thing is for sure, this team is beginning to resemble that of the 2017 Yankees. A young, scrappy team that is exceeding expectations despite injury after injury.
Let’s hope that they can continue riding this momentum.