The newest Yankee is officially with the team, as Rougned Odor was reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list prior to Saturday’s game against the Rays.
Odor, who the Yankees traded for in exchange for a pair of prospects earlier this week, had to clear the league’s intake protocols before he was able to join the team. Manager Aaron Boone said he expected Odor to join the big-league club once he cleared intake protocols, and as a result, utility man Tyler Wade was optioned to the alternate site.
Odor will primarily be used at second and third base, and with Wade being optioned, the Yanks will need a backup shortstop behind Gleyber Torres, who has struggled defensively to start the season. Boone said Gio Urshela, who took reps at shortstop during spring training, will fill that role and will likely see time at the position in the near future.
In case of an emergency, Wade is on the taxi squad and is remaining in Tampa for the rest of the weekend series against the Rays.
The Yanks hope Odor can regain the offensive production he enjoyed in Texas back in 2016, but over the last four years, he has been among the least valuable everyday second basemen, slashing .215/.279/.418 over the past four seasons.
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
Follow WFAN on Social Media
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitch
