Toe Is The Odd Man Out

On Saturday afternoon, we learned that Ronald Torreyes was sent down to Triple A Scranton-Wilkes Barre as the Yankees activated Greg Bird from the disabled list in time for the game Saturday evening against the Los Angeles Angels.  I am pretty sure it was a somber ride to northeastern PA for a guy that gave the Yankees so much depth as an important, versatile backup.

According to the New York Post, “Torreyes spent each of the last two seasons in the majors, as the Yankees value his ability to play second, third and short, as well as hit consistently in a part-time role.”  In addition, Torreyes could potentially catch and add value with is bat, something that is very difficult to give up in place of Greg Bird who spent most of the last two seasons injured.  Yet, I understand the next guy in mentality.  I just worry that given the Yankees’ need for agility and flexibility that sending down Torreyes is a bad move and potentially sends the wrong message.

“Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged Friday that the organization faced a difficult roster decision because of Bird’s impending return, saying there will likely be “difficult conversations that are the reality and the nature sometimes of this business,” reports ESPN.

Let’s not underestimate Torreyes, who is batting .325 over 22 games this season, but I get it; we had to make room for Bird and the Yankees want to give Tyler Austin a fair shake, which clearly I agree with that decision. After last night’s game, if I had my druthers, I would send down Sonny Gray, pitcher or not.

“Neil Walker can play first, second and third, but the Torreyes’ move leaves them without a clear backup shortstop for Didi Gregorious — unless they want to shift Gleyber Torres there,” reports the Post.  Torres could most certainly move to short, as he is a natural short stop.  But I guess the point is that Toe has been so valuable, I hate to see him as the odd man out.

–Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

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