The Yankees made it official on Tuesday, activating Giancarlo Stanton to join the team for the first time since the opening days of the 2019 season. And the corresponding move for his arrival was OF Mike Tauchman being sent back down to Triple-A, which was made last night following the win over the Rays.
So two roster moves have been made for the Yankees, which includes Clint Frazier being sent down in correspondence with Edwin Encarnacion joining the team via trade. Now the final puzzle piece will be put into place when Aaron Judge is finally activated after rehabbing his oblique injury.
But who will be purged to allow him room on the 25-man roster?
Many look at the extra outfielder in the room in Cameron Maybin. He was brought in by the Yankees to add more outfield depth with all these injuries, and like the other replacements, has performed well in the absence of the sluggers. Overall, he is hitting .299/.375/.467 with four homers and 11 RBI in 38 games in New York this season.
"He's been a really good player and another guy that has come in here and fit in, jelled, impacted the room, and then his performance speaks for itself between the lines, what he's brought," manager Aaron Boone told The Post's Zach Braziller. "The flexibility to play anywhere in the outfield, the speed he brings to the basepaths, the energy he plays the game with and brings to the dugout on a nightly basis. We've seen the power come into play the last few days. He's been really good for us -- really good."
Those are some strong words from the skipper, but, if the Yankees do move Maybin for Judge, the 32-year-old won't be heading down to Triple-A. He doesn't have any minor league options, which means he would hit the market for another team to scoop up.
And Maybin is making it hard for the Yankees to do that this week. In his last three games, Maybin has mashed a homer in each contest while going 6-for-12 with four runs scored as well.
So here's a better option for the Yankees: send down a pitcher to keep Maybin on the team.
The Yankees currently carry 13 pitchers that includes four starters (Domingo German is on the IL) and nine bullpen options. Those nine arms in the bullpen would be more expendable compared to Maybin who would be the only bench option other than Brett Gardner on the bench.
When Judge returns, the starting outfield of him, Stanton, and Aaron Hicks would be players that have all had long IL stints this season. Maybin, then, should be kept as extra insurance and another player Boone can use based on pitching matchups and who needs rest.
In turn, David Hale should be the first pitcher out of the pen to be considered for a demotion. Nestor Cortes Jr. is another name that comes up, but after his great relief of CC Sabathia the other night, he should remain another lefty option there.
Maybin has proven he can handle the bright lights of New York, and as Boone said, he has jelled in the clubhouse. Breaking off that bond wouldn't be the best move for the Yankees, even though all of their power bats are back in the lineup.