The New York Yankees announced that Tyler Austin will take his rehab assignment to the next level, closing in on his return to the Bronx.
Prior to Friday’s loss to the Oakland Athletics, the New York Yankees transferred Tyler Austin’s rehab assignment from Double-A Trenton to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Austin, who suffered a fracture in his foot during batting practice before Spring Training, has been on the 60-day disabled list since the start of the regular season.
The 25-year-old was assigned to the Tampa Yankees on May 19 to begin the journey back and has played five rehab games with Double-A Trenton — where he went 6-for-14 (.429) with two triples. Austin will now join a potent RailRiders lineup that already features top prospects Clint Frazier, Gleyber Torres, Dustin Fowler, Tyler Wade and more.
Austin got a taste of the Major Leagues in 2016 following Alex Rodriguez‘s retirement and adjusted quite nicely to the biggest stage. He and Aaron Judge went back-to-back in their first league at-bats and Austin finished with five homers in 210 plate appearances.
Primarily a first baseman with adequate corner outfield abilities, Austin can provide a much-needed jolt from a position in dire need of one.
Thanks to Greg Bird‘s ineffectiveness, his foot injury and Chris Carter‘s struggles, New York has maintained a wRC+ of 65 from first base which is tied with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for the worst in baseball.
It’s quite difficult to put a finger on if Austin will be brought onto the 25-man roster when fully healthy. We already know he’ll take the last spot on the 40-man (there is currently an open spot) when reinstated from the disabled list, but the Yankee brass will stick around in Northeast, PA in order to receive consistent at-bats and playing time.
Other SWB Notes:
- INF Donovan Solano (pulled calf) has been reinstated from the seven-day disabled list.
- RHP Brady Lail, who was called-up from Double-A on Wednesday, will wear No. 24