TAMPA — On a day when Kyle Higashioka went deep two extra occasions, the Yankees made one other commerce for catching depth, buying Jose Trevino from the Rangers in alternate for once-promising right-hander Albert Abreu and minor league lefty Robert Ahlstrom, a 2021 draft decide.
Trevino, 29, offers the Yankees one other above common defender behind the plate with out a lot offense.
Trevino is getting into his fifth 12 months within the majors and had a meager .607 OPS in 302 plate appearances final season.
His arrival offers them one other choice to again up Higashioka, as lately acquired Ben Rortvedt is out with an indirect harm and received’t be prepared for the beginning of the season.
The 24-year-old Rortvedt got here to the Yankees within the cope with Minnesota that additionally introduced Josh Donaldson and Isiah Kiner-Falefa in alternate for Gary Sanchez and Gio Urshela.
Each Trevino and Rortvedt have choices left and will be despatched to the minors.
Abreu was out of choices, that means he couldn’t be despatched down with out clearing waivers. The 26-year-old was as soon as thought of a high prospect, however hadn’t sustained any success within the majors.
They’re nonetheless ready for Higashioka to seek out constant success, as nicely.
He continued his sizzling spring in Saturday’s 10-0, rain-shortened win over Atlanta at Steinbrenner Subject.
Higashioka has a team-high seven homers in simply 9 Grapefruit League video games.
“I imply, let’s deliver a few of these north [to New York] now,’’ supervisor Aaron Boone stated of Higashioka’s energy surge.
Even with Trevino, the Yankees will lean on Higashioka.
Spring coaching success is just not essentially a very good indicator for normal season efficiency, however Boone famous that Higashioka hit 10 homers in 211 plate appearances final season and has proven flashes of offensive manufacturing at occasions all through his profession.
“We’ve seen glimpses of this,’’ Boone stated. “The facility shouldn’t shock you, [but] seven [homers] is just a little bit loopy. We’re seeing him use the entire discipline with energy. Not that we haven’t seen him go the opposite manner, however it’s gone to a different stage.”
The important thing for Higashioka, in accordance with Boone, is making that manufacturing final.
“Now it’s about being extra constant and being a tricky out towards right-handed pitching,’’ Boone stated.
In 2021, Higashioka had an OPS of simply .558 versus righties, with a .791 OPS towards lefties.
Rortvedt is a left-handed hitter, which might result in one thing of a platoon, however the 24-year-old hasn’t proven that he can hit within the majors.
They usually’re nonetheless relying on some development from Higashioka.
“He’s in a great place,’’ Boone stated. “He’s assured. We want him.”
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