Just five days after claiming him off waivers from the Colorado Rockies, the New York Yankees have designated outfielder Yanquiel Fernandez for assignment.
Francys Romero reported Fernandez’s DFA news on X on Monday afternoon. The Yankees have not officially announced the transaction.
Fernandez, 23, was a former top prospect with the Rockies and made his Major League debut last season, hitting .225/.265/.348 with four home runs and a .613 OPS in 147 plate appearances.
How can Fernandez remain with the Yankees?
New York can stash Fernandez as outfield depth at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre if he goes unclaimed on the waiver wire.
Even if the Yankees hadn’t decided to DFA the left-handed hitter, the opportunity for playing time in the Majors would have been infrequent. As the AL East club’s roster is currently constructed, Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Trent Grisham will be the starting outfield unit.
Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones are the top candidates to be the fourth outfielder, but utility men Oswaldo Cabrera and Amed Rosario have also spent time on the grass.
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