Miguel Andujar has plenty to prove in 2020.
The Yankees’ third baseman has become something of an afterthought following an injury-riddled 2019 that saw him play in just 12 games after undergoing shoulder surgery.
It was hardly the reply he and the Yankees were hoping for after such a promising rookie season in 2018.
In 149 games, Andujar slashed .297/.328/.527 with 27 home runs and 92 RBI with 47 doubles that tied an American League rookie record. He finished second in the American League Rookie of the Year voting to Los Angeles Angels pitcher/slugger Shohei Ohtani.
While Andujar recovered from surgery, the Yankees’ next-man-up mentality in a season ravaged by health issues saw another unlikely hero emerge in Gio Urshela, who is currently penciled in as the team’s starting third baseman.
A 28-year-old who batted just .225 with eight home runs and 39 RBI in 167 games over three shortened seasons with the Cleveland Indians and Toronto Blue Jays, Urshela slashed .314/.355/.534 with 21 home runs and 74 RBI in 132 games with the Yankees.
He also provided a more consistent brand of defense at the hot corner, something Andujar could not necessarily provide.
It’s why Andujar is expected to see time at first base and left field should the combination of Luke Voit and Mike Ford struggle throughout spring training and the early portions of the regular season.
One thing the Yankees won’t have to worry about is Andujar starting on the right foot down in Tampa.
The 24-year-old has built the reputation of flying out of the gates in spring training.
Over his last three spring trainings, Andujar is batting .309 with six home runs in 34 games, which included a solo shot in his debut this year.
Another strong showing in spring will only make provide the Yankees with a more difficult decision.
It will be impossible to keep Andujar’s bat on the bench if he were to repeat his rookie-season successes, meaning another notable Yankee will have to see a decrease in playing time to accommodate the returning youngster.
