Tyler Austin got traded to the Minnesota Twins earlier this season but the New York Yankees still have a lot of love for the first baseman.
Tyler Austin is crushing it on the Minnesota Twins. However, he is clearly missed on the New York Yankees. And not just because Greg Bird has yet to take flight at the plate.
Austin took some time to catch up with his former teammates before the Yankees took on the Twins at Target Field in Minnesota on Monday night, according to Bergen Record’s Pete Caldera.
Tyler Austin already said hello to a bunch of his old Yankees teammates during early BP. Was surprised initially by trade, but excited for opportunity in Minnesota. Dealing with back issue but hopeful of playing at least a game this series.
— Pete Caldera (@pcaldera) September 10, 2018
While Tyler Austin has been excelling at the dish for the Twins, Bird has been struggling, causing many fans to question the reasoning behind the trade. However, we have to remember that Austin did get a shot in the Bronx and didn’t do as well as Yankees fans would have liked.
Since joining the Twins, Austin has already clubbed seven home runs in just 20 games. For reference, in his 34 games this season in the Bronx, he hit just eight home runs.
While his batting average is not yet up to par (.243 in Minnesota), Austin is making noise with his powerful bat. Because he can slug those home runs, he’s been a welcome addition to a struggling Twins team.
But don’t just take Caldera’s word for it! There is photographic evidence that Austin and his former teammates were able to meet up and have meaningful conversations before the game.
Luis Cessa, a teammate of Austin’s in both Triple-A Scranton and the Bronx, posted a heartfelt caption along with a great picture of the two donning their separate uniforms on Instagram.
I’m sure that as the series winds down, there will be more pictures featuring the slugger and his former teammates.
Austin may be missed right now but you have to admit, he seems at home with the Twins. Clearly we wish him the best of luck in his future in Minnesota!
