Yankees INF Miguel Andujar continues to work his way back toward the team, with the hope he doesn't need surgery to repair the small tear in his labrum. If surgery isn't needed, manager Aaron Boone noted Thursday that the team is considering how to deploy him so he doesn't suffer a setback.
It was a week ago that SNY's Andy Martino suggested the Yankees use Andujar as primarily a DH, and even at first base in certain situations. Well, that's exactly what the Yankees are discussing right now, according to Boone.
Hitting hasn't been as much an issue as throwing for Andujar during this rehab process, which is why DH would make the most sense. The Yankees, though, have multiple hitters that can fill that role -- some of which are on the IL with Andujar. Giancarlo Stanton is one player that comes to mind, and he's reportedly close to coming back from his biceps strain as well.
Getting Andujar back would be another thing trending in the right direction for these Yankees that want to get over this April hump. A two-game sweep of the Red Sox helped in that respect, but with a long West Coast road trip coming up, it only gets tougher. Before the Yankees can think of how to use the infielder, though, they must make sure he doesn't need that surgery.
As for the other players along with Andujar on the IL, Gary Sanchez (calf) joined Andujar to hit batting practice on the field on Thursday. Troy Tulowitzki also mentioned that he feels good, and Didi Gregorius is continuing his rehab "as planned," per Boone. He has been throwing at 120 feet, and making throws in the infield as he looks to come back from Tommy John surgery.
Trending in the right direction is exactly what the Yankees want to hear. But when players start to come back, Boone has some decisions to make, and it may start with Andujar.