Even when Brett Gardner makes his return from a minor knee issue, the Yankees may keep Clint Frazier on the 25-man roster.
"I think there's an avenue for that," manager Aaron Boone said, according to NJ.com's Randy Miller. "We're kind of just day by day right now based on different guys and our needs in the pitching and how many (relievers) we want to keep, (but) he's taking advantage of opportunities."
Since being recalled from the minors earlier this week in favor of infielder Ronald Torreyes, Frazier is 4-for-11 in four games (three starts), including a 2-for-4 day in Thursday's 4-3 win over the Seattle Mariners. He's filled in for Gardner, who hasn't played since last Saturday with knee soreness but has avoided a trip to the disabled list.
Frazier has had three different stints in the majors this season, playing one game in May and a June 4 doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers. Overall, he is 7-for-19 with two doubles and one RBI.
With Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Frazier has a .312/.379/.558 batting line with seven home runs and 11 RBIs in 38 games. He's expressed his frustrations at being held in the minors, and he hopes his major-league success could indicate more playing time in pinstripes.
"Every time I came up here I've tried to do my best to be prepared and I feel like I've held my own since I've been up here," Frazier said. "Even if it means playing every other day, I'm fine with that. I want to be on this team and I'm here to fill any role they want to put me in."
Boone said he's been impressed with the 23-year-old Frazier's composure at the plate ever since he made his season debut in May. So much so that Frazier hit leadoff for the first time on Thursday after hitting either in the No. 7 or No. 9 spot in his previous six games.
"He's earned his way up here a few different times when we've had to send him back," Boone said. "He's another young player that when that opportunity knocks, he's representing well."