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Yankees: How does Aaron Boone plan to use Miguel Andújar?

By Kevin Henry

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 06: Miguel Andujar #41 of the New York Yankees waits for a pitch the game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on July 06, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. The New York Yankees won 12-1 (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 06: Miguel Andujar #41 of the New York Yankees waits for a pitch the game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on July 06, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. The New York Yankees won 12-1 (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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How long Miguel Andújar remains with the New York Yankees is a bit of a mystery, as is how much playing time he will receive now that he’s back on the active roster. One thing that isn’t a mystery, however, is how manager Aaron Boone plans to use him in the field.

Andújar, called up from Triple-A on Tuesday to replace Aaron Hicks, who went on the paternity list, hasn’t played in a game for the New York Yankees since July 6, 2021. However, that could change sometime this week, depending on how long Andújar sticks around with the big league club.

When called up, Andújar was slashing .347/.396/.551 in 49 at-bats this season, with three homers, one double, and six RBI.

“I really feel like Miggy came in this spring probably in the best place that he’s been in the last couple of years,” Boone said. “He came in, first of all, physically, in really good shape. I felt like, mentally, he really did good work and performed.”

How will the New York Yankees use Miguel Andújar when he sees time in the lineup?

So far this season at Triple-A, Andújar has played five games at third base, six in left field, and has served as the designated hitter in two others. Boone told reporters that that could be a similar pattern any time Andújar gets the call to make an impact in New York.

“We’ll see how this week unfolds,” Boone said. “Obviously, his bat off the bench is going to play a role. But left field, third base, and working in at first a little bit. We have a guy that is off to a good start down there (Triple-A) and coming off a good spring that we feel like can play a key role for us in these next couple of days.”

Since finishing second in the American League Rookie of the Year in 2018 after slashing .297/.328/.527 with 27 home runs and 92 RBI, Andújar has dealt with a number of injuries and has yet to replicate his success on the field as well. He’ll likely have to earn limited chances with the Yankees now and prove in those moments he can make a difference to have a bigger role as the season moves along.

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If that’s the case, Andújar believes he is ready for those moments.

“If I’m healthy and get the chance, I feel that I can put the numbers there and have something similar to ‘18,” Andújar told reporters on Tuesday night. “Right now, I’m just blessed that I’m healthy. I’m just looking for that opportunity.”

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