Harrison Bader’s Yankee debut, as expected, will come in Tuesday night’s series opener against the Pirates in the Bronx.
The Bombers’ return prize for trading away Jordan Montgomery is slated to bat seventh and start in center field in what will be his first game since June 26, as the slick-fielding outfielder has been recovering from plantar fasciitis.
Bader showed some pop during his rehab assignment in the minors, and despite hitting below league average this season with a .673 OPS, his numbers would present an upgrade over the struggling Aaron Hicks, while presenting a massive defensive upgrade.
Bader’s arrival also allows Aaron Judge to move back to right field, hopefully preserving the Yankee slugger as the playoffs approach. Judge was relied upon heavily in center field this year given the Yankees’ injuries and various outfield struggles.
Oswaldo Cabrera, continuing to show his defensive versatility, is Tuesday’s starting left fielder.
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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