Yankees third baseman Miguel Andujar has been rehabbing his way back from his torn labrum surgery, and he looks to be right on track for the start of Spring Training.

Manager Aaron Boone said on MLB Network Radio Tuesday that Andujar is throwing and taking ground balls in the Dominican Republic at the moment, and should be good by the time Spring Training rolls around.

"We believe he's going to be totally healthy as he enters Spring Training and good to go," Boone said.

This reiterates what Boone said just before the new year. Whether or not that Spring Training will be in Tampa with the Yankees is still up in the air, though.

Andujar has seen his name in trade rumors for months now due to the emergence of Gio Urshela, and it was reported that the Rangers were among teams intrigued by adding the 24-year-old to their lineup. However, those rumors have died down recently, which could set up a fun third base battle at Spring Training.

Andujar's defensive woes are well known and coming back from shoulder surgery doesn't help his case at the moment. While he was on the IL, Urshela not only showed stellar defense at third base, but also had a knack for clutch moments at the plate during his breakout season that saw a .314/.355/.534 slash line with 21 homers and 74 RBI -- all career highs.

So the advantage has to go to Urshela to start things off, but we all know the type of performance Andujar can put together at the dish. He was the Rookie of the Year runner-up in 2018, and that came with his rough defense as well.

If Urshela does beat out Andujar at third base, there is the prospect of transitioning him to first base. However, Luke Voit should also be set for Spring Training, and he has proven to be a solid option over there. Andujar as a permanent DH is also in the cards. Edwin Encarnacion played that role when he was dealt for last season, while dabbling at first.

What to do with Andujar is one of the big questions facing the Yanks this season, but that will iron itself out as Spring Training comes along. In the meantime, heading to Tampa fully healthy and ready to compete for a job is the top priority, and it appears he's on the right track.

Popular in the Community