With third-string catcher Robinson Chirinos out with a broken wrist, and backup catcher Kyle Higashioka dealing with side soreness, non-roster backstop Rob Brantly may have just become much more important for the Yankees.
Brantly is doing his best to prove he’s up to the task, compiling two home runs in seven at-bats so far this spring, and he could wind up getting a lot more looks before Opening Day.
“I’m happy with it of course,” Brantly said. “The results have been great, but it’s really just been about how consistently I can stay within my process and executing the things I need to do on the field that way, so as long as I stay consistent with executing those things, then I’ll jeep progressing.”
Brantly was penciled into the lineup earlier this week when Higashioka was shut down, catching Gerrit Cole on Tuesday, and while the Yankees hope for Higashioka to be ready to return by Saturday, Brantly will likely still be needed to fill the role of Chirinos, who will be out much longer after receiving a surgery recommendation after he was hit by a pitch.
“It’s unfortunate what happened to Robinson,” Brantly said. “I hope everything is going OK with his recovery. But when you see your name in the lineup, that’s what you prepare for. That’s what everyone prepares for, when the opportunity comes, to be ready for it and show you can help the team win.”
Brantly, 31, has been battling for big-league playing time since he broke into the majors with the Marlins in 2012. He provided an encouraging debut that year, hitting three home runs and batting .290 in 113 plate appearances, but he struggled the following year, batting .211 with one home run in 243 plate appearances. Since then, he appeared in just 29 games, and saw no time in the majors in 2016 or 2018. Last year, he played in just one game for the Giants, equal to the amount he played the season prior with the Phillies.
But Brantly isn’t too focused on those offensive numbers, even after going deep in his first spring at-bat. As a potential third-string catcher, Brantly’s concern is centered around his receiving work, and getting on the same page as his battery mates.
“It’s about staying within myself,” Brantly said. “Catching will be the most important thing and working with my pitchers and putting them in the best position to succeed.”
Of course, any kind of offensive production from Brantly would be seen as a massive bonus for the Yankees, and he believes he can provide it if given the chance.
“I’m confident in my bat,” Brantly said. “I’ve always been able to swing the bat well between my major and minor league career. That’s something in my arsenal I’m looking forward to add to the Yankees given the opportunity and pretty much go from there.”
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
Follow WFAN on Social Media
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitch
