Even though they got some help already, more infield help is on the way for the New York Yankees. On Sunday, the Yankees acquired corner infielder J.D. Davis in a trade with the Oakland Athletics. The Athletics get infield prospect Jordan Groshans and cash considerations from the Yankees. New York transferred pitcher Nick Burdi to the 60-day injured list to make room on the roster.
The Yankees have recently lost Anthony Rizzo (broken forearm) and Giancarlo Stanton (left hamstring strain) to injury and are looking for reinforcements.
“Hopefully he can come here and give us a little spark, especially if I get him in there against left-handed pitching,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “Just where we are, a couple of injuries down, hopefully he can be a little shot in the arm and be a piece to help us win some games.”
Davis signed a $2.5 million contract with the Athletics in mid-March. The Athletics designated him for assignment on Tuesday. With the Athletics, he hit .232 with four home runs and five RBIs. In his career, Davis has a .273 average with 119 home runs and 386 RBIs.
Boone said that he plans on using Davis at first base. Currently, the Yankees have Ben Rice, who got called up after Rizzo got injured, who was playing at first. Now expect Rice and Davis to split time at first base; who plays at first depends on the pitching matchups. The good news for the Yankees is that Davis can also play third base and be the designated hitter. With DJ LeMahieu and Oswaldo Cabrera currently playing third base, there’s no need for pressing need for him at third base. Look for him potentially to get some run at DH in the meantime.
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